Zoom does utilize WebRTC technology, but not in the traditional sense that many other applications do. WebRTC, which stands for Web Real-Time Communication, is a set of APIs and protocols that allow for real-time audio, video, and data communication directly within web browsers. It is commonly used for applications like video conferencing, voice calling, and file sharing.
While Zoom does offer video conferencing capabilities, it does not rely solely on WebRTC for its functionality. Instead, Zoom uses a combination of different technologies, including WebRTC, to power its platform. This allows Zoom to provide a seamless and reliable video conferencing experience across various devices and network conditions.
One of the reasons Zoom incorporates WebRTC is to enable browser-based video calls. By leveraging WebRTC, users can join Zoom meetings directly from their web browsers without the need for any additional plugins or software installations. This is particularly useful for users who do not have the Zoom application installed or prefer not to use it.
However, Zoom primarily relies on its own proprietary technology stack to deliver its video conferencing services. This allows Zoom to have more control over the user experience, security, and scalability of its platform. Zoom’s technology stack includes various components such as audio and video codecs, network protocols, and server infrastructure.
In my personal experience, I have used Zoom for numerous video conferences and online meetings. While the video and audio quality has been generally good, there have been instances where connectivity issues and audio/video synchronization problems occurred. These issues are not unique to Zoom and can be attributed to various factors like network conditions, device performance, and server load.
While Zoom does incorporate WebRTC technology for certain features like browser-based video calls, it is not solely built on WebRTC. Zoom utilizes a combination of its own proprietary technology stack and WebRTC to deliver its video conferencing services.