Top 10 Video Conferencing API & SDK Lists

Video communication has become increasingly popular since Covid-19. So many companies and startups want to catch this trend by creating video chat apps that cater to different needs, such as business meetings, social calls, and online dating. So how to choose a video conferencing API for your business? No worries, this article will focus on the best 10 video conferencing API with a features comparison.

What is a Video Conferencing SDK & API?

A Video Conferencing SDK is a set of software development tools that help developers to create video conferencing apps. It includes pre-built code libraries and APIs.

A Video Conferencing API is a set of protocols, routines, and tools that allow developers to integrate video conferencing functionality into their existing applications. It provides a way for developers to access pre-built video conferencing features and functionality without having to build them from scratch. In simple terms, a Video Conference SDK is used to build a video conferencing application from scratch, while a Video Conference API is used to add video conferencing features to an existing application.

Must-Have Video Conference API Features

The numerous options for video conferencing SDK & API available in the market might be overwhelming. It is important to scrutinize the potential solutions and ensure that they possess the following features, at the very least:

• Multi-party video calling: Support multi-person video calls to meet the needs of user groups for chatting and meetings.
• Screen sharing: Allow users to share screen content to facilitate remote collaboration and presentations.
• Virtual background: Allow users to select virtual backgrounds to enhance the professionalism and visual effects of the conference.
• Real-time messaging and whiteboard: Provide real-time text chat and whiteboard functions to facilitate user communication and collaboration.
• Security and privacy protection: Protect user privacy and information security, ensuring that conference content is not stolen or leaked.
• Compatibility with multiple devices: Support multiple operating systems and devices, including PC, mobile phones, and tablets.
• Customizability: Allow users to customize the conference interface and functions to meet different conference needs.

10 Best Video Chat APIs for Video Conferences

1. ZEGOCLOUD

ZEGOCLOUD video conferencing SDK offers a complete suite of building blocks of a video conferencing system, including real-time voice, real-time video, interactive live streaming, recording, screening sharing, whiteboard, etc. On top of that, the company also provides robust backend monitoring and an analytic dashboard for overall performance optimization.

ZEGOCLOUD free video conferencing API is a highly recommended video calling API for developers looking to build video conferencing applications. The ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and range of features make it a reliable and effective solution. While the customization options may be somewhat limited, the SDK is still an excellent choice for many developers for building a video conferencing app.

Features of ZEGOCLOUD Video Conference APIs:

• A complete suite of real-time communication functions such as voice, video, and live streaming.
• A unified real-time data transmission network that allows real-time communication and CDN distribution.
• A rich set of add-on features, including beautification, AR stickers, voice changing, avatar, screen sharing, document sharing, in-app chat, etc.
• Incredible advancements in metaverse technology allow video conferencing in a virtual world with more interactions, including 3D voice, face expression synchronization on avatars, etc.
• Fantastic user experiences include less than 300 ms ultra-low latency, 4K or 1080P extra-high definition, and 60 FPS playback smoothness.

2. Twilio

Twilio video conferencing API is fully customized and scalable. This is completely flexible for usage. This tool constructs the applications and the connectivity. It allows chats, video, and programmable chats based on real-time communication with scalability and video calling API. This is a perfect fit for enterprises from small to wide. This helps the organization engage its users in every step of the journey. This is a flexible API for any channel with built-in intelligence and global infrastructure support.

Features of Twilio APIs:

• It gives free trial credits for video groups and video P2P.
• Cloud recording facility with workflow integration.
• 24-hour support through the mail and chat.
• Get endless features with an intuitive interface.

3. Sinch

Sinch is another best video call API that manages different APIs through messaging and calling facilities. Anyone can receive video calls, SMS verification, voice calls, and other engagement platforms. Various industries receive an extensive solution from this, including health, telecommunications, retail, media, and entertainment. Through this, many operators get opportunities for monetizing the wholesale and getting rid of fraud and other activities. This video conferencing API offers an instant messaging SDK and API to iOS, Android, and Web Applications. It gives complete freedom to the users for customization and supports SIP, VoIP, and PSTN.

Features of Sinch APIs :

• It offers high-quality videos.
• Get Personalized Messaging with Voice Calling service.
• Live Broadcasting.
• Personalized communication with advanced setup.
• 600+ operators connections globally.
• Amazing easy & intuitive interface with endless possibilities.

4. Mirrorfly

MirrorFly is another audio and video conferencing API for website provider that offers a solution to both large and small-scale organizations. This is the versatile messaging solution working as the market’s prime product. The tool is highly customizable as compared to any other. It goes perfectly with iOS, Android, and Web Applications. With this, anyone can get the absolute chat-app solution that provides a design-enriched UI/UX. Here you can get the intuitive build with a plethora of other features. This video conference SDK is embedded with WebRTC, enabling HD-quality video interaction and the VoIP feature that gives a dynamic voice experience.

Features of Mirrorfly APIs:

• Real-time language translation.
• Get a 100% customizable solution.
• Private 1-to-1 chat with offline messages.
• Interactive Live Broadcasting with SIP calling feature.
• Push-to-Talk part with VoIP calling facility.
• A versatile messaging solution with endless features.

5.Agora.io

Agora offers a complete video conference API. Meanwhile, it provides real-time voice and video chat API that can be used to build a video conference system. It works on user engagement by delivering the video call service with real-time voice, recording and messaging, and live streaming products. The company is working towards building real-time connections in the virtual world.

Features of Agora.io API for Video Conferencing:

• The tool offers an intelligent network that will help to connect automatically in real-time analysis.
• Select the efficient routing path with 200+ data centers.
• Enterprise support Platforms.
• Minimal Battery Consumption.
• It can withstand even a sudden spike in traffic.
• Extensive API selection with customizable UI extension.

You may also like: Top 10 Agora SDK Alternatives & Competitors

6. Enablex

Enablex Live Video is another decent choice for free HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for integrating video conferencing capabilities into your app. Moreover, it features remarkable video chat SDKs that enable one-to-one video chats and group video calls, providing users with an extensive video chat experience. With its live interactive broadcast feature, you can broadcast diverse content through devices directly on social media platforms.

Key Features of Enablex video conference api

• Up to 100 participants in collaboration mode
• Over 3000 participants for webinars
• Built on WebRTC
• End-to-end encryption
• Live annotation and screen sharing

7. CometoChat

Providing text, voice, and video chatting capabilities, CometoChat is a great choice for video conferencing API. Furthermore, it offers APIs and SDKs that simplify integrating video calls with rich and detailed documentation, demos, and easy-to-understand code. Moreover, CometChat’s video conferencing API supports voice and video calling, scalable in-app messaging, and cross-platform compatibility.

Key Features

• Online presence indicators
• Webhooks and bots
• Support for Single Sign-on (SSO)
• Typing and reading indicators
• Rich media attachments

8. Daily.co

It offers the best scalable video conferencing API and aims to provide the best video call solution. With this live video call API, users can easily add live audio and video experiences to their products, using either the pre-built user interface or creating custom layouts. Furthermore, the tool supports high-quality 1080p HD video and screen sharing for calls on any device. Moreover, it offers flexible recording options, including transcriptions.

Key Features

• Up to 1000 active participants per video call
• Live stream with up to 25 participants and 100000 viewers
• Provides Android and iOS video conferencing SDKs
• Customizable video call UI/UX
• Video quality auto-tuning

9. Apphitect

Apphitect provides video conference API for SMEs and enterprises and is considered one of the industry’s leaders. Using WebRTC APIs, Apphitect offers exceptional video-calling experiences across various devices and platforms. Moreover, it comes with 100% customization support meaning you can easily tailor it to suit your and your app’s needs.

Key Features

• White-label solution
• High scalability
• Interactive live broadcasting
• Conference scheduling
• Screen sharing

10. Vonage

Formerly known as TokBox OpenTok, Vonage Video conferencing API is another great option when it comes to choosing a video conference API. Moreover, it enables you to create a tailored video experience for any mobile, web, or desktop application with ease. Vonage’s video chat APIs offer rich features for Android, iOS, and the web. Furthermore, it leverages WebRTC standards to ensure high data streaming quality.

Key Features

• Works using WebRTC
• Support AES-128 and AES-256 encryption
• GDPR and HIPPA compliance
• HLS and RTMP streaming
• SIP Interconnect

Why ZEGOCLOUD Video Conferencing SDK/API

If you want to integrate free video conferencing API into your existing app, you have two options: a video conferencing SDK or API integration. One of the most popular video conferencing SDKs available is ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call API. This API provides an easy and efficient way to add real-time video conferencing to any app.

Here are some of the features of ZEGOCLOUD’s Video chat API:

1. Seamless Integration

ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call SDK is designed for easy integration with any app. It provides developers with simple APIs and UI components that allow them to quickly add video conferencing functionality to their apps without requiring extensive knowledge of video conferencing technology. Furthermore, the SDK can be customized to match the look and feel of your app, ensuring a seamless user experience.

2. High-Quality Video and Audio

ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call SDK provides high-quality video and audio communication that allows users to communicate effectively, even if they’re located in different parts of the world. The SDK uses advanced codecs that ensure clear video and audio transmission, even in low-bandwidth situations. It also provides automatic noise reduction and echo cancellation features, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication.

3. Secure Communication

Security is a top priority regarding video conferencing. ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call SDK uses end-to-end encryption to ensure all communication is secure and private. Accordingly, all video and audio data is encrypted at the source and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient. Therefore, no one else can intercept or view the data.

4. Scalability

ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call SDK is built to handle many users simultaneously, making it ideal for apps with a high volume of users. The SDK provides a robust infrastructure that allows developers to scale their apps easily as their user base grows. Additionally, the SDK is highly reliable and provides 99.99% uptime, ensuring users can connect and communicate without interruption.

How to Integrate Video Conferencing API into Your App

With the help of ZEGOCLOUD, adding video conferencing to your React Native application can be accomplished with ease. Therefore, follow these straightforward instructions to integrate video calling into your app:

Preparation

• A ZEGOCLOUD console account – Sign up
• A device with internet connectivity
• Have NodeJS and React Native installed

1. Create a new project

After configuring your development environment, launch your React Native project by executing the following command.

react-native init [YourProject]

2. Import the SDK

To integrate ZEGOCLOUD’s React Native SDK into your project, follow these steps:

1. Open the package.json file in the root directory of your React Native project and add “zego-express-engine-reactnative“: “^x.y.z” to the dependencies. Replace “x.y.z” with the latest version number obtained via npm command.
2. Run the command “npm install zego-express-engine-reactnative --save” or “yarn add zego-express-engine-reactnative” to install the SDK in your project.
3. To install the dependencies in the iOS root directory, use the “pod install” command.

3. Add needed permissions

To access system resources, React Native apps for both Android and iOS require permissions. Here are the steps to add permissions for each platform:

Android

To add permissions in Android, open the app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml file and include the following code:

<!-- Permissions required by the SDK -->
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.BLUETOOTH" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
<!-- Permissions required by the App -->
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WAKE_LOCK" />

<uses-feature
    android:glEsVersion="0x00020000"
    android:required="true" />

<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.camera" />
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.camera.autofocus" />

Dynamic permissions are required for vital permissions on Android 6.0 and later versions. After acquiring static permissions through the AndroidManifest.xml file, use the code provided below to request dynamic permissions:

import {PermissionsAndroid} from 'react-native';

const granted = PermissionsAndroid.check(PermissionsAndroid.PERMISSIONS.CAMERA,
                                        PermissionsAndroid.RECORD_AUDIO);
granted.then((data)=>{

        if(!data) {
            const permissions = [PermissionsAndroid.PERMISSIONS.RECORD_AUDIO, PermissionsAndroid.PERMISSIONS.CAMERA];
            PermissionsAndroid.requestMultiple(permissions);
        }
    }).catch((err)=>{
    console.log(err.toString());
    })
}

iOS

To access Custom iOS Target Properties in Xcode, select the target project and navigate to Info.

To add microphone and camera permissions, click the “+” button and include the following code:

Privacy - Camera Usage Description

Privacy - Microphone Usage Description

4. Create the UI

Create your React Native UI with a local preview view, a remote video view, and a stop button. You can design your app however you want, but here’s a basic video call UI as an example:

5. Create a ZegoExpressEngine instance

To generate an engine with a particular profile, call the createEngineWithProfile method. Consequently, set the appID and appSign parameters to your own AppID and AppSign.

// Import
import ZegoExpressEngine from 'zego-express-engine-reactnative';

// Use the general scenario.
const profile = {
appID : xxx,
// If you require more secure authentication than what AppSign can provide, you can use a Token instead. 

//Enter your appSign from admin console

appSign: '39011cbxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx',
scenario : 0
};

ZegoExpressEngine.createEngineWithProfile(profile)

6. Log in to a room

Log in

Invoke the loginRoom function to sign in to a room. If the room is not present, this function will create it before logging you in.

let roomConfig = new ZegoRoomConfig();
// If you use the AppSign for authentication, you do not need to set the `token` parameter. If you want to use the Token for authentication, which is securer, see [Guide for upgrading the authentication mode from using the AppSign to Token](https://docs.zegocloud.com/faq/token_upgrade).
// roomConfig.token = "xxxx";
// The `onRoomUserUpdate` callback can be received only when `ZegoRoomConfig` in which the `isUserStatusNotify` parameter is set to `true` is passed.
roomConfig.isUserStatusNotify = true;
// Room login.
// Log in to a room.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().loginRoom('room1', {'userID': 'id1', 'userName': 'user1'}, roomConfig);

Listen for events after logging into the room.

After logging in to a room, listen for event notifications such as room connection, user, and stream status updates based on your service requirements. These events include:

• roomStateUpdate: Notifies the room connection status, such as disconnection or login authentication failure.
• roomUserUpdate: Notifies the user of status updates when another user joins or leaves the room. The callback requires passing ZegoRoomConfig in the loginRoom method with the isUserStatusNotify parameter set to true.
• roomStreamUpdate: Notifies stream status updates when another user in the room publishes or deletes an audio or video stream.

// Common room-related callbacks

ZegoExpressEngine.instance().on('roomStateUpdate', (roomID, state, errorCode, extendedData) => {
  // Callback for room connection status changes triggered by SDK after user login.

}); ;


ZegoExpressEngine.instance().on('roomUserUpdate', (roomID, updateType, userList) => {
  // User status update callback for room login. Triggers when another user joins or leaves the room, sending a notification via the SDK.

});

ZegoExpressEngine.instance().on('roomStreamUpdate', (roomID, updateType, streamList) => {
  // Callback for stream status updates. When a user logs into a room, the SDK will trigger this callback to send a notification when another user in the room publishes or deletes an audio or video stream.
});

7. Publish streams

Start to publish streams

Use ZEGOCLOUD’s startPublishingStream method with the streamID parameter to share your audio and video stream with others.

/** Start to publish streams.*/
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().startPublishingStream("streamID");

Start the local preview

Use the startPreview method to preview and view local videos.

import { findNodeHandle } from 'react-native';

// Obtain `ref` of `zego_play_view`.
let localViewRef = findNodeHandle(this.refs.zego_preview_view);

// Start the local preview.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().startPreview({
    'reactTag': localViewRef,
    'viewMode': 0,
    'backgroundColor': 0
});

// react render
render() {
    return (
        <View>
            <ZegoTextureView ref='zego_preview_view'/>
        </view>
    )
}

Listen for stream publishing callbacks.

Listen for publisherStateUpdate callback after stream publishing to get updates on status changes or exceptions that may occur due to network issues.

ZegoExpressEngine.instance().on("publisherStateUpdate", (streamID, state, errorCode, extendedData) => {
    // Stream publishing status updates are sent if there is a change, such as a network interruption, and the SDK retries publishing the stream.
    //....
});

8. Play streams

Play remote user’s audio and video stream by calling the startPlayingStream method with the streamID obtained from the roomStreamUpdate callback.

import { findNodeHandle } from 'react-native';

// Obtain `ref` of `zego_play_view`.
let remoteViewRef = findNodeHandle(this.refs.zego_play_view);

// Start to play streams.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().startPlayingStream("streamID", {
    'reactTag': remoteViewRef,
    'viewMode': 0,
    'backgroundColor': 0
});

// react render
render() {
    return (
        <View>
            <ZegoTextureView ref='zego_play_view'/>
        </view>
    )
}

9. Stop stream publishing or playback

Stop stream publishing and preview

Cease publishing local audio or video streams and finally terminate the call utilizing the stopPublishingStream approach.

/** Stop publishing streams. */
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().stopPublishingStream();

Stop the local preview by calling the stopPreview method after stopping stream publishing as needed.

// Stop the local preview.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().stopPreview();

Stop playing streams

You can stop playing remote users’ audio and video streams by calling the stopPlayingStream method.

// Stop playing streams.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().stopPlayingStream("streamID");

10. Log out of a room

Use logoutRoom method to stop stream publishing, stream playing, and local preview, and log out of a room. The SDK triggers the roomStateUpdate callback locally to indicate the logoutRoom result.

// Log out of a room.
ZegoExpressEngine.instance().logoutRoom('room1');

11. Destroy a ZegoExpressEngine instance

Release the SDK resources by using the destroyEngine method to destroy the ZegoExpressEngine instance.

ZegoExpressEngine.destroyEngine();

Run a Demo

Explore ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Call SDK features through the Web demo sample.

Conclusion

Integrating video conferencing into your app can be a great way to enhance user engagement and improve collaboration. By leveraging an API for video conferencing, such as ZEGOCLOUD’s Video Conferencing API, you can also easily add video conferencing functionality to your app in iOS, Android, Web, and Flutter without extensive knowledge of video conferencing technology.