Industry experts think that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a lifelong impact on the way we work, and this is becoming more apparent with today’s work-from-home arrangements.
As virtual workspaces become the new normal, keeping in touch with co-workers and handling teams remotely in the form of video and web conferencing are now a must for every remote workspace. The video and web conferencing software industry showed that it can handle facilitating daily business operations. The innovations indicated more significance as a slow transition toward an adaptable and hybrid workplace setup started to reshape and employees and managers realized that productivity knows no place and time (Maldow, 2021).
In this article, let us see how the best virtual communication and collaboration tools have become critical to the nature of work today, presented through a good number of key video web conferencing software statistics.
Video and Web Conferencing Software Statistics Table of Contents
Video Conferencing Market Segmentation Statistics
Video conferencing essentially involves remote communication between one or more people, happening in real-time and regardless of their locations. Modern technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technology, are integrated with video conferencing software and projected to propel the growth of industry in the following years. The rising demand for distance communication due to globalization, virtual workforce supervision, and continuous internet usage across the globe are the determining factors of this market. Video conferencing tools help organizations make faster and better decisions and reduce high costs connected with regular business travels (Fortune Business Insights, n.d.). Here are this year’s key video web conferencing software statistics.
- Laptops, cell phones, and computers with high-end cameras, microphones, and speakers contribute to video conferencing expansion. The hardware component had the highest share with 47% in video web conferencing statistics 2020 (MarketWatch, 2021).
- In the same year, the business sector had the biggest market share, accounting for 77% (MarketWatch, 2021).
- The video conferencing industry is divided into five basic regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America led the industry, with a share of more than 32.12% in the video conferencing market share 2020 (MarketWatch, 2021).
Advanced technologies adoption and apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others are augmenting video conferencing solutions inside and outside the US. Meanwhile, Latin America is anticipated to demonstrate steady growth due to continuous support from the government. Asia Pacific’s market is also looking forward to growing rapidly due to the increasing demand in its education, research, and SME sectors. In Europe, the awaited growth is attributed to numerous video conferencing service providers, research and development investments, and broadening business and commercial markets. In the Middle East & Africa, 5G, AI, machine learning, cloud, and others are envisioned to boost video conferencing usage statistics 2021.
Video Conferencing and Work-from-Home Statistics
Companies have been reluctant to try video and web conferencing, only electing to do so at the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Late as they were, they have nevertheless wasted no time catching up and investing in video conferencing tools to enable virtual meetings, collaboration, and other pertinent business processes.
- During the first four months of the COVID-19 outbreak, a 500% surge in search impressions for web and video conferencing tools was recorded (TrustRadius).
- Compared to 2019, 60% of employees joined online meetings more regularly in video conferencing usage statistics 2020 (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 75% of employees believed that they had kept or became more productive with their remote work setups (Boston Consulting Group, 2020).
- 50% of employees said that they will not come back to professions that do not have remote work options even after the pandemic (Owl Labs, 2020).
- Nearly 80% of employees participate in video conferences through their laptops or desktop computers (Medium, 2020).
- The global video conferencing market value in 2021 is estimated at $6.03 billion (Digital in the Round, 2021).
- Ineffective meetings result in about $399 billion loss annually (Digital in the Round, 2021).
- 90% of employees find it more comfortable to communicate with each other via video (Digital in the Round, 2021).
- 82% of employees find their company’s transition to remote work flawless (Buffer, 2021).
- Employees save almost $500 monthly by working remotely (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 80% of employees detail that commuting is the main reason they want to work from home (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 23% of remote employees take less vacation than in-house employees (GetVoIP, 2020).
- In April 2020, Microsoft recorded 75 million everyday active users of Teams (Windows Central, 2020).
- There were approximately 2 million new Google Meet users in April 2020 (Google, 2020).
- In total, 300 million Webex users were reported in April 2020 (The Verge, 2020).
- The pandemic brought about a 70% increase in Skype usage (Windows Centar).
- Zoom is the leading video conferencing tool in 2021, dominating 50% of the market (TrustRadius, 2021).
Source: Digital in the Round, 2021
Video Conferencing and Teamwork Statistics
Video conferencing tools serve as the best platform for teamwork that promotes productivity and employee engagement. Although the transition from in-office to remote work was not always smooth, workers were still able to perform their jobs well.
- 76% of work-from-home employees claim that their new arrangement helps them focus on their work that they stop coming back to their offices even if they need to finish something (Atlassian).
- About 80% of employees state that work-from-home arrangement, supported by video conferencing tools, has boosted their work satisfaction (Velocity Global, 2020).
- 59% of organizations are 2 to 5 time zones apart from each other, making video and web conferencing tools more suitable for them (Buffer).
- Employees cite a flexible work schedule (36%) and the ability to work anywhere (26%) as the advantages of COVID-19 restrictions (Buffer).
- 98% of employees claim that video conferences build better workplace relationships (LifeSize).
Video Conferencing and Work Efficiency Statistics
Several law enforcement and government agencies were also affected by COVID-19, prompting them to rely on conducting their operations remotely. According to video conferencing statistics coronavirus, both government and private enterprises shifted to remote work arrangements.
- Organizations save at least $11,000 each half-time telecommuter every year, coming principally from minimized real estate footprints, increased productivity, and lower absenteeism and turnover (Global Workplace Analytics).
- 43% of regular business travelers revealed that they look forward to traveling less even after the pandemic is over, implying that video conferencing tools have made business travels insignificant and they have saved a lot from company expenses (Forbes, 2020).
- Almost 9 in 10 employees say that video conferences lessen the time it takes to finish their tasks, leading to operational savings (Medium, 2020).
- Organizations that invest in video conferencing tools expect 25% less employee turnover and related replacement expenses (Owl Labs).
- 89% of employees note that regular video conferencing fastens individual and group projects (LifeSize).
Software Spending of American Businesses
Web conferencing: 67
Web conferencing
%Collaboration: 57
Collaboration
%Remote desktop: 52
Remote desktop
%Security software: 41
Security software
%LMS software: 23
LMS software
%Source: TrustRadius
Designed byMost Popular Video Conferencing Software
- Lifesize. This is a video conferencing suite that delivers enhanced communication for team collaboration and productivity. If you want to know more about this platform, check out this Lifesize review.
- Skype. A simple, yet powerful video conferencing tool for individual and organizational users. This Skype review will orient you more about this efficient Microsoft product.
- Zoom. Another widely-used video conferencing tool that’s user-friendly. Best for businesses that need frequent group messaging, online meetings, and web conferencing. For more details, read this Zoom review.
- Cisco WebEx. A web conferencing tool that facilitates online events and functions as a workspace for project teams. Know more about it by checking out our Cisco WebEx review.
- GoToMeeting. This video conferencing platform helps businesses to bring their dispersed workforce and mobile staff together in a single virtual location. Read our GoToMeeting review for more details.
Who uses video conferencing?
Video conferencing software are essential within the sectors of B2B, B2C, education, and health care. Aside from external communication, these tools are used to perform interviews, onboard employees, and train them.
- 78% of corporate enterprises use video calling platforms (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 66% of job applicants like to be interviewed virtually (Ring Central).
- 83% of organizations with over 250 employees are likely to buy video calling platforms (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 27% of small enterprises are likely to buy video calling platforms (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 86% of companies interview employees through video calls (GetVoIP, 2020).
- About 75% of hospitals are either already using or are presently making a virtual health program (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 88% of academic professionals believe that video calling platforms will aid more students in taking advanced education (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 73% of academic professionals claim that video calls will lessen student dropouts (GetVoIP, 2020).
The Rise of Video Conferencing
Video and web conferencing tools were only expected to sustain organizational functions at the height of the pandemic. However, it soon became clear that they are a must if organizations wanted to survive the pandemic. In the process, they became lucrative for their developers even as they carried the heavy burden in the day-to-day professional experiences of many organizations moving forward.
- Even before the pandemic, the video conferencing market was already growing. It has been also projected to grow at CAGR of 12.1% between 2018 to 2023 (Global Video Conferencing Market Analysis, 2019).
- 90% of North American companies are most likely to invest more in video conferencing in 2022 (Vox, 2021).
- The prediction now in terms of CAGR growth is 19% between 2020 and 2026, gaining a value forecast of $50 billion by 2026 (Global Market Insights, 2020).
- 63% of employees disclosed that they missed their colleagues when they did not attend video calls (LifeSize).
- 35% of employees join video calls to feel that they belong and are appreciated (Digital in the Round, 2021).
- 31% of organizations said that video conferencing helps them establish better relationships with their partners, clients, and customers (LifeSize).
- 69% of Americans believe that video will be more necessary or equal to voice command tools (Globe Newswire).
- 50% of Americans would move if they can partially or fully work from home (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 2 out of 3 tech employees would permanently move out of San Francisco if they could work from home (Blind, 2020).
- 72% of employees state that the remote work lessened their stress (Owl Labs, 2020).
- Work-from-home employees are 57% more likely than average to feel job satisfaction (Amerisleep, 2020).
- 82% of employees say that working from home would make them feel more reliable and trustworthy at work (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 61% of employees said that they would rely on video conferencing more even after the pandemic as it was as efficient as personal meetings and time-saving (Oliver Wyman, 2020).
- 66% of company executives indicate that video calls help them communicate better with freelance workers (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 75% of CEOs state that video calls will completely replace audio-only conference calls (GetVoIP, 2020).
- 5G will prevail to improve mobile video and web conferencing. Ericsson expects that there will be over 20 million 5G US subscribers by 2025 (Legal Transcription Service, 2021).
- Nearly 22% of the American workforce will work from home by 2025 (Upwork).
Other Cited Benefits of Remote Work
Source: Buffer, 2021
Designed byTop Work-from-Home Challenges
- 96% of employees noted that starting meetings is their most common struggle with video conferencing meetings (Owl Labs).
- More than 50% of employees spend at least 10 minutes each meeting to set themselves up, while 83% of them spend nearly 3 minutes (Owl Labs).
- 51% of employees raised concerns about having a work-life balance while working from home (Kentik, 2020).
- 43% of employees worry that remote work will affect their professional growth (Owl Labs, 2020).
- 27% of employees note that unplugging from work is their biggest challenge with a work-from-home setup (Buffer, 2021).
- 30% of company leaders say that they worry about how to keep the company culture robust while working from home (Gartner, 2020).
Video Conferencing Software Feedback
Product satisfaction
- 58% of video conferencing subscribers claim that their software fulfill their sales and marketing promises (TrustRadius, 2021).
- 80% of Zoom users agree that it meets its sales and marketing promises (TrustRadius, 2021).
- 46% of Microsoft users indicate that it lives up to its promises (TrustRadius, 2021).
Product reliability
- Video conferencing tools score 8.6 out of 10 in terms of usability (TrustRadius, 2021).
- Google Hangouts Meet scores the highest, 9.6 out of 10 (TrustRadius, 2021).
- Microsoft Teams scores 7.2 out of 10 (TrustRadius, 2021).
Customer service
- Video conferencing tools receive satisfactorily high customer service ratings of 8 out of 10 (TrustRadius, 2021).
- Zoom only scored 5.9 out of 10 with regard to customer support (TrustRadius, 2021).
Product performance
- 70% of video conferencing users state that their tools performed as expected (TrustRadius, 2021).
- Google Hangout Meets scored the highest concerning product performance satisfaction (TrustRadius, 2021).
How do security and privacy affect video conferencing?
Security and privacy are critical concerns in video conferencing, especially with the rapid increase in remote work. Here’s why they’re important and what businesses should consider:
- Data Protection
Video conferencing tools handle a vast amount of sensitive data, from personal employee information to confidential business details. Ensuring data protection through encryption and secure data storage practices prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive information. - End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that only participants can view the conversation, preventing interception by third parties. Many organizations prefer video conferencing tools that offer E2EE, especially for handling client information or trade secrets. - User Authentication and Access Controls
Security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access help verify users and control who can join meetings or access sensitive files. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized entry and ensures only verified personnel participate in meetings. - Privacy Compliance
Compliance with privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, is essential for businesses that operate globally. Using tools that comply with these standards helps prevent legal repercussions and assures clients that their data is handled responsibly. - Recording and Data Storage Policies
Many video conferencing tools allow recording, which is convenient but can also be a security risk. Clear policies around recording permissions and secure storage are important for safeguarding recorded content. - Regular Software Updates and Patches
Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, making regular software updates essential. Choosing tools with a track record of timely updates and patches helps mitigate vulnerabilities.
Video and Web Conferencing Software: Your Business’ Key to Growth and Success
As the present video web conferencing software statistics show, video call has become a key business instrument instead of an optional one during the COVID-19 crisis. Gone are the days of connecting and fixing everything, messy cables everywhere, and worrying if meetings will push through or get postponed. In addition, this innovation is forecast to not only outlast the emerging trends in video web conferencing statistics 2021, like machine learning, VA, and VR, but it is also setting itself to play a huge part in connecting teams and organizations across the globe (Digital in the Round, 2021).
Key Insights
- The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently influenced work arrangements, leading to widespread adoption of virtual workspaces and video conferencing tools.
- Video conferencing software, integrated with IoT, AI, and cloud technology, is critical for maintaining productivity and reducing costs associated with business travel.
- The hardware component of video conferencing, including laptops, cell phones, and computers with high-end cameras and microphones, holds the largest market share.
- North America leads the video conferencing market, followed by significant growth anticipated in Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
- Video conferencing usage surged during the pandemic, with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet seeing exponential growth in users.
- Employees find video conferencing tools essential for maintaining productivity, with 75% reporting increased or sustained productivity while working remotely.
- Video conferencing enhances teamwork and work satisfaction, with 98% of employees stating it builds better workplace relationships.
- The shift to remote work is seen as beneficial, saving employees significant amounts of money and reducing commuting stress.
- Organizations that invest in video conferencing tools report reduced employee turnover and increased operational efficiency.
- Video conferencing is now a staple in sectors such as B2B, B2C, education, and healthcare, with a majority of companies using these tools for communication and collaboration.
FAQ
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the use of video conferencing tools? The pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of video conferencing tools as remote work became necessary. Companies quickly invested in these tools to enable virtual meetings, collaboration, and other business processes.
- What technologies are integrated with video conferencing software to enhance its capabilities? Video conferencing software integrates modern technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technology, which are projected to propel the industry’s growth.
- Which regions are leading the video conferencing market? North America is currently leading the video conferencing market. However, significant growth is anticipated in Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America due to increasing demand and government support.
- How has video conferencing usage changed during the pandemic? Video conferencing usage surged dramatically during the pandemic. For example, Microsoft Teams saw 75 million daily active users in April 2020, and Zoom dominated the market with 50% share.
- What are the primary benefits of video conferencing for remote workers? Remote workers benefit from video conferencing through increased productivity, reduced commuting stress, better work-life balance, and substantial cost savings on commuting and other expenses.
- How do video conferencing tools impact teamwork and employee engagement? Video conferencing tools promote teamwork by facilitating real-time communication and collaboration, leading to better workplace relationships and higher employee engagement and satisfaction.
- What are the main challenges associated with video conferencing? Common challenges include technical issues when starting meetings, maintaining work-life balance, and ensuring effective communication and company culture in a remote setup.
- Why is video conferencing considered a key business instrument during and after the pandemic? Video conferencing is essential for maintaining business continuity, enabling remote work, and reducing operational costs. Its importance is expected to grow with advancements in related technologies like 5G, AI, and VR.
References:
- Clements, J. (2021, April 13). Six Video Conferencing Trends for 2021. Legal Transcription Service.
- Digital in the Round Admin (2021, July 10). 20 Astonishing Video Conferencing Statistics for 2021. Digital in the Round.
- Fortune Business Insights. (n.d.). Video Conferencing Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis. Fortune Business Insights.
- Maldow, D. (2021, May 21). 5 video conferencing trends to eye for 2021. Tech Target.
- MarketWatch. (2021, November 17). Video Conferencing Market Size, Revenue Analysis, Business Strategy, Top Leaders and Global Forecast 2027. MarketWatch.
- Stone, K. (2020, July 7). The State of Video Conferencing in 2020 [50 Statistics]. GetVoIP.
- TrustRadius. (2021, July 1). 84 Current Video Conferencing Statistics for the 2021 Market. TrustRadius.
- Webex Team, (2021, April 23). 18 video conferencing statistics for 2021. Webex.
Leave a comment!