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Yash Srivastava
Yash Srivastava

Posted on • Originally published at enablex.io

5 Things You Must Consider Before Choosing A Low Code Video Embed Platform

As businesses increasingly focus on digital transformation to stay up with changing business dynamics, they’re seeking solutions that help shorten the development cycle while also making them more agile. To survive and grow, they must develop apps far more quickly in order to respond to customer needs effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, that has not been possible so far because of the constraints of coding, which is tedious and time-consuming. All this is changing, thanks to the disruption being caused by ‘low code platforms’ which minimize or eliminate the need to code in order to build solutions through Graphical User Interfaces(GUI)and other visual tools.

“The goal of a low-code or no-code visual builder platform is to make the app-building process easier by decreasing the amount of coding required”

The growth in low code solutions has surpassed beyond expectations. According to a Gartner report, 65 percent of all application development by 2024 will be done on low-code platforms. In response to the growing demand for video meeting solutions, several Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers have launched low-code video embeds. However, most video embed platforms currently available come with multiple constraints, such as the limitations around UI templates or the number of available collaboration features, which greatly restrict the usability of such embeds. Only a few CPaaS low code providers address the core concerns of developers like UI/UX coding, which has been a major challenge for developers in building fully functional real-time video communication solutions fast.

The list of five things that you must consider while choosing the right Low-code Video Embed Platform for your business.

1. Granularity

Most people opt for a low code solution for the simple reason that it should allow them to design & deliver a highly customized video calling app quickly. Therefore, make sure the low code solution you choose is granular enough. Unfortunately, most low code video embeds that are currently available don’t offer the freedom to customize easily. They demand a fair degree of coding knowledge if you want to customize beyond the pre-defined UIs given. Therefore, ask these questions to check the level of granularity of the platform:

  • Does the video embed offer the freedom to customize various UI aspects like video grid layout, fonts, colors, and text size without coding?
  • Can I add my preferred features to create the desired user experience?
  • (If the answer to these questions is not affirmative, you may want to explore further

2. Advanced Features

A low code video embed platform should not necessarily be low in features. Many CPaaS providers offer low code platforms like a lightweight version having only basic video conferencing features. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to make a list of the features required to meet your business needs. Ensure that the list contains advanced features, such as a breakout room, a waiting lobby, room lock, backdrop blurring, and live streaming to offer a cutting-edge solution. Besides, it’s advisable to check whether the platform supports PSTN integration feature that enables users to join the video meeting through a dial-in or landline number.

3. Robust Video Meeting Capabilities

Never jump the gun after reading tempting marketing gimmicks; the realities are often hidden in the fine prints. Most CPaaS providers only offer basic low-code video conferencing apps that are typically limited to one on one video calling, or at most, a limited hosting capacity of 50 participants. There are only a few that offer the capacity to do large-scale events or webinars. You must certainly look for a partner that provides both of these capabilities while meeting your niche requirements. Your best bet is a platform that allows you to host at least 1,000 people while also providing essential associated features like lecture mode, raise hand, and many others, allowing it to act as a fully-functional and dependable video conferencing platform.

4. Device-Agnostic Experience

Check whether the video embed platform allows building a platform/device-agnostic video meeting app. That’s of crucial importance as people may access video conferencing through web, desktop, mobile, iOS, and Android. Unfortunately, not all platforms are mobile compatible, which can be a hindrance and detract from the overall experience.

5. Ease of Use

The goal of a low-code or no-code visual builder platform is to make the app-building process easier by decreasing the amount of coding required. Without the assistance of developers, even a non-technical individual, a.k.a. citizen developer, should be able to create a video calling app. This is because a well-built low-code platform, allows you to build custom apps with just a few clicks, drags and drops, letting you pick your preferred video layout, font, text size, and color along with the integration of other advanced features. Therefore, try out the platform before taking the final call and check how easily you can build a completely custom solution. The key characteristics determining the ease of use in the low code/no code video builders are ease of API integration, single-click deployment, and drag & drop functionality. The absence of any of these three characteristics raises a question mark over ease of use of the platform.

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