Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtualization of work has resulted in an increased demand for video chat software. Doing office work remotely, engaging in virtual video conferences, giving video presentations, etc., are the tasks that require a reliable and stable video chat tool. During the pandemic, many startups and tech giants introduced many video chat APIs and SDKs to make it easier for developers to create new video chat platforms.
What is a Video Chat API?
Application Programming Interface, or API, is a way for two different applications to connect and communicate by enabling data transmission. APIs allow the software to access and execute data from another software without issues. A video chat API is a type of API that can be added and integrated with existing web and mobile platforms to provide video chat functionalities.
Software Development Kit or SDK is a set of development tools that contains many libraries, visual editors, debuggers, APIs, etc. Unlike APIs, SDKs are proper toolboxes containing all the tools required to build a specific program. A video chat SDK is a specialized set of tools used to build video chat
Top 10 Video Chat API for iOS, Android, and Web
When looking for video chat APIs and video chat SDKs on the internet, you’ll find hundreds of them. Since you can’t realistically test all of them, we have discussed the top 10 video chat APIs and SDKs to save you time and effort.
1. ZEGOCLOUD
ZEGOCLOUD is the best video chat API and SDK provider in the market. Using its APIs, you can easily integrate video and voice-calling functionalities into your apps or websites across all platforms. It offers 50-participant video chats with 4K quality across 15000+ devices. You can use features like live broadcasts, live streaming, live classes, screen sharing, instant messages, virtual backgrounds, screen recording, file sharing, webinars, virtual gifting, etc.
Its ZEGOCall SDK offers features like an online user list, Google login, offline notifications, etc. Using its settings, you can modify screen view, sound quality, sound effects, video resolution, frame rate, bit rate, camera swap, and many more. ZEGOCLOUD provides continuous technical support and a one-on-one VIP consultation to address your specific needs.
2. Mesibo
Mesibo is a video chat API that integrates live video calling to web and mobile apps across different platforms. It is an open-source video chat API that complies with HIPPA and GPDR standards and provides encrypted calls. When doing a video conferencing or group call, it offers 360-degree camera support to make the experience more realistic.
You can deploy it on the cloud, on-premise, or private cloud. It allows you to create chatbots with features like moderation, translation, and many more using simple JavaScript coding. You can also create private or public messaging groups and free peer-to-peer calls.
3. PubNub
PubNub video chat API helps integrate a video and voice chat platform where people across the world can get connected. It also offers robust security features with enterprise-grade security for all video and voice calls. All the chats and calls on it are end-to-end encrypted to ensure data security and privacy. There are extensive plugins available for you to use according to your needs.
It supports broadcasting messages, transferring metadata before connecting the calls, and displaying both the online and offline status of participants in a video conference. PubNub APIs are easy-to-use, fully customizable, and offer real-time management.
4. Twilio
Twilio is a free video chat API for integrating one-to-one video conferencing features. It provides programable video chat APIs that can be integrated within minutes into your platforms. Its video chat feature offers users custom layouts and virtual backgrounds to enhance their experience. You can record your video calls for future reference; over 50 persons can be added during a video conference.
Using Twilio, you can do peer-to-peer communication with up to 4 people, and it also provides the option of screen sharing. It provides a cloud-based infrastructure to store your data and provide real-time phone call integration for live video call apps. Twilio supports web, Android, and iOS platforms and provide detailed API and SDK documentation.
5. CONTUS MirrorFly
CONTUS MirrorFly video chats APIs and SDKs provide a high-definition video chat feature integration across different platforms. It supports all major platforms and programming languages. You can host meetings, conferences, webinars, and other virtual events using its features like 1000+ participants in a single session, 150+ chat features, whiteboards, etc.
Its privacy and security features are also high-grade, with end-to-end encryption for all collaborative activities. You get complete control over the participant joining process when holding a live conference. It also offers features like live streaming, Google calendar integration, file sharing, video recording, etc.
6. Banuba Face AR SDK
Banuba Face AR SDK is a video chat SDK that primarily focuses on augmented reality and provides support for Android, Web, Unity, desktop, iOS, and other platforms. It offers features like AR face filters, customizable backgrounds, over 1000 high-quality effects, face beautification, 3D avatars, etc. You can perform AR-featured video conferences and live-streaming using its API.
Other major components of Banuba Face AR SDK include teleconferencing for enterprises to promote their brand and support for creating professional videos and social networking apps. Its API integration process is simple and quick and offers fast performance.
7. Enablex.io
Enablex.io, or Enablex, is a PaaS (Platform as a service) video chat API provider. Its video chat APIs allow users to build HD-video chat platforms easily. The video calls are end-to-end encrypted, and it is possible to add over 2000 people to a video conference. There is also a waiting lobby for participants before they can be added to a meeting, and the host has complete control of participants’ entry.
It provides screen and file share functionalities alongside whiteboards and annotation features. There are multiple options for you to process the data collected during sessions. You can use its broadcast feature to broadcast live video streams across many devices and platforms. It offers iOS video chat SDK along with video conference SDKs for Android, React, Web, Flutter, etc.
8. QuickBlox
QuickBlox is a video chat API that enables a platform for multiparty video conference calls. This API is commonly utilized in large networks and provides real-time chat features during video conferences. You can use it to make high-quality peer-to-peer calls and share all types of files. It also offers a great Android video chat API. The video and voice calls are end-to-end encrypted.
Many read-to-go modules, like video calling, push notifications, etc., are available for you to deploy. It is a versatile API that can easily be integrated with new technologies. You can deploy it on the cloud or on-premise, and it fully complies with GDPR and HIPAA standards.
9. Sinch
Sinch is a lightweight SDK that allows you to create a customized video chat experience across different platforms. Its flexible APIs help in adding in-app messaging and calls, SMS verification, optimal voice and video calls, live broadcasting, and many other features to your apps. Other features offered by Sinch include easy integration, screenshots, file sharing, peer-to-peer communication, etc.
When live streaming, you can pause the stream when required and continue later. It provides full customization and support for PSTN, SIP, and VoIP. Sinch’s iOS video chat API and its Android and JavaScript video calling SDKs provide seamless support for integration.
10. Vonage
Vonage video chat APIs and SDKs are primarily used by video conferencing organizations due to their robust support for large video conferences. It works under the PaaS model and provides support from one-to-one video calls to large broadcast sessions with screen sharing and secure data exchange. The main features offered by Vonage include AES-256 encrypted calls and recording, compliance with HIPPA and GPDR, SIP Interconnect, video analytics, etc.
It provides seamless integration across the Web, iOS, Android, etc., and is highly scalable. The integration can be completed in a few minutes using a couple of coding lines. You can share screens, exchange data, broadcast messages, and do voice conference calls.
Using APIs when building an app or website saves many resources and time. Whenever there is a requirement to add video or voice chatting features to an app or website, using a video chat API like ZEGOCLOUD is the best option. Using it, you can easily integrate a multiparty video or voice conferencing feature into your app or website.
