Overview of the Best Virtual Events Platforms 2026

It’s easy to see that picking the best virtual event platform is more essential than ever. Virtual events are now a crucial feature of the work and events landscape in 2025. In this piece, we’ll give you a run-down of how to choose the best virtual event platform for your purposes, what features you should look for, and point out the stand-out platforms in the field.

 

What is a virtual event platform?

 

Just in case you’re out of the loop, a virtual event platform is a software or app tool that facilitates your digital events. Without an event platform to help your event flourish, it’s just a multi-participant video call! The best virtual event platforms can bring a live event feel into the virtual online world and can include audio, video, and interactive elements, as well as the use of smart technology.

 

Other than facilitating your event, the goal of a virtual event platform is to help people connect as well as increase audience engagement through interactivity and immersive environments. Full-featured platforms are a means to plan, run, and support virtual events. Certain platforms may also provide support for event planners or hosts on the administrative side and include registration and ticketing.

 

Key features to look for in a virtual event platform include:

 

• Live streaming We all know what this is, but a virtual event platform will give you the capacity to stream larger events and scale.
• Virtual meetups An option for smaller, more casual meetups, but within your larger platform, easily able to scale up to a big event or experience.
• Breakout spaces Breaking smaller groups out from a large event or meeting is an excellent way to continue specific conversations or facilitate networking.
• Q&A sessions Expand it out beyond a text chat window and engage your participants with a real back-and-forth that helps with information retention.
• Polling This is an interactive feature, helping to both engage the audience as well as provide a means to measure engagement.
• Workshop facilitation Workshop-specific spaces for your virtual event; not everything in your program will be an audience passively watching a speaker or panel.
• Gamification This is another great way to simultaneously engage and gather data about your participants.
• Virtual booths If an in-person trade show is not an option, you can showcase your products virtually.

 

Virtual event platform market trends

 

Market size and growth

The virtual events market continues to expand as organizations adopt digital alternatives to traditional gatherings. The market size has reached USD 16.61 billion and is expected to grow to USD 27.65 billion by 2031, representing a 10.72% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Adoption drivers

Several broader workplace and technology shifts are accelerating the adoption of virtual event platforms:

 

• The growth of remote and hybrid work: This has created distributed teams across multiple time zones. Virtual events make it easier for organizations to host company meetings, training sessions, and partner briefings without requiring travel. Many event agendas are now designed around on-demand content, modular tracks, and recorded sessions to accommodate global audiences.
• UCaaS: Another driver is the adoption of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom Workplace, and Cisco Webex. These platforms increasingly include built-in event capabilities, allowing organizations to host webinars and company-wide events without purchasing separate software.
• Environmental initiatives: Many corporations now include carbon-reduction targets and ESG reporting in procurement decisions. Virtual events reduce travel-related emissions and help companies meet sustainability goals.

 

Technology trends

New technologies are reshaping what virtual events can deliver beyond basic video conferencing:

 

• • Generative AI is being integrated into event platforms to provide real-time translation, automated captions, and personalized agendas. AI tools can also assist with attendee matchmaking, answering questions, and generating post-event summaries.

• Agentic AI, such as Kaltura’s Agentic Avatars, offers registrants and attendees real-time, adaptive guidance at scale regarding session topics, speakers, the event experience and agenda, as well as products and solutions, in the form of conversational digital experiences.

• Extended reality (XR) event environments are increasingly being developed. While web-based platforms currently dominate because they require no installation, XR-based event experiences are expected to grow quickly. These environments enable immersive showcases such as product demonstrations, simulations, and virtual walkthroughs.
• Improved connectivity is also helping the market grow. The expansion of 5G networks, particularly in Asia-Pacific, enables higher-quality video streaming and smoother real-time interaction during large events.

 

Market segments and use cases

Virtual event platforms support a range of formats and industries:

 

• Webinars currently generate the largest share of event revenue due to their low setup cost and ability to produce reusable marketing content.
• Conferences and summits account for a significant share of the market, often including multiple sessions, networking features, and sponsor participation.
• Product launches are among the fastest-growing use cases because companies can present new products to a global audience simultaneously.

 

From a revenue perspective, sponsorships represent the largest income source, while ticket sales are growing quickly as organizers introduce tiered access models with premium content or exclusive networking sessions.

 

How to choose a virtual event platform

 

Choosing the right virtual event platform depends on the type of event you are hosting, the size of your audience, and the level of interaction you want to support. Some platforms are designed for simple webinars, while others support large conferences with networking, sponsorship areas, and multiple parallel sessions. Evaluating your needs before selecting a platform helps avoid technical limitations during the event.

When comparing platforms, focus on the following considerations:

• Audience size and scalability: Make sure the platform can support your expected number of attendees. Some tools work well for small meetings but struggle with large conferences or thousands of viewers.
• Event format support: Consider whether the platform supports the formats you need, such as webinars, workshops, networking sessions, or multi-track conferences. Not all platforms handle breakout sessions or simultaneous sessions well.
• Audience engagement features: Look for built-in tools that encourage interaction. Features such as live Q&A, chat, polls, reactions, and networking rooms help keep attendees involved and improve information retention.
• Registration and ticketing: Many platforms include event registration pages, payment processing, and ticket tiers. If monetization or attendance tracking is important, these capabilities can simplify event management.
• Integration with other tools: Check whether the platform integrates with your existing systems, such as CRM tools, marketing automation platforms, or email software. Integrations help automate attendee communication and data collection.
• Analytics and reporting: Post-event analytics are important for understanding attendee behavior. Good platforms provide data on attendance, engagement levels, session popularity, and lead generation.
• User experience and accessibility: A platform should be easy for attendees to join without a complicated setup. Browser-based access, mobile compatibility, captions, and language support can significantly improve participation.
• Technical support and reliability: Live events require stable infrastructure and quick technical support. Platforms that provide real-time support or dedicated event assistance can reduce the risk of disruptions during the event.

 

 

12 Best Virtual Event Platforms Overview:

 

With the basics in hand, here is a descending-order list of what we feel are the best virtual event platforms to leverage in 2022. This is not an exhaustive review and we don’t mean to disparage anyone we might have overlooked. But if it didn’t make the list, caveat emptor – the buyer alone will be responsible for gauging its quality.

 

1. Kaltura

Kaltura provides a single platform for running virtual and hybrid events with a strong focus on flexibility and content reuse. It supports different session formats, from live streams to on-demand and simulive sessions, and allows organizers to manage multiple events within one system. The platform also emphasizes engagement and post-event workflows, enabling teams to extend the lifecycle of event content and track detailed performance metrics.

Key features:

• Brand customization: Fully customizable event environments across devices, including mobile support
• Flexible session formats: Supports live, on-demand, simulive, and hybrid event experiences
• Engagement tools: Includes chat, polls, Q&A, reactions, gamification, and networking features
• Accessibility support: Offers captions, multilingual support, and sign language display options
• AI capabilities: Provides tools for agenda creation, real-time assistance, and content summarization
• Content repurposing: Converts live sessions into reusable on-demand content within the platform
• Analytics and reporting: Tracks engagement, attendance, and interaction data with detailed insights

 

 

2. Zoom

Zoom extends its video conferencing foundation into a broader event platform that supports webinars, multi-session events, and hybrid formats. It offers familiar interfaces and built-in tools for production, branding, and analytics. While it is widely adopted for broadcasting, its event capabilities are structured around webinar-style delivery rather than deeply immersive environments.

Key features:

• Multiple event formats: Supports webinars, recurring sessions, and multi-track virtual events
• Production tools: Includes backstage areas, layout controls, and pre-recorded content options
• Audience engagement: Offers chat, reactions, polls, and Q&A features
• Branding options: Allows custom backgrounds and event page design
• Networking features: Enables attendee interaction and sponsor connections in event environments
• Analytics and reporting: Provides performance tracking and engagement insights
• Content repurposing: Includes recording features with AI-generated summaries and chapters

 

 

3. BigMarker

BigMarker is an end-to-end virtual event platform for webinars, conferences, and ongoing content experiences. It combines event delivery with marketing and data capture capabilities, allowing organizers to run live, automated, and on-demand events while integrating audience data into external systems. The platform also incorporates AI tools to personalize experiences and generate insights.

Key features:

• End-to-end event platform: Covers creation, delivery, and post-event engagement
• Interactive features: Includes chat, polls, Q&A, reactions, and breakout rooms
• Simulive and automation: Supports automated webinars that run like live sessions
• CRM integration: Syncs attendee data and engagement metrics with external systems
• Email marketing tools: Handles invitations, reminders, and follow-ups
• AI capabilities: Provides personalization, insights, and content generation features
• Content hubs: Enables on-demand video libraries and learning environments

 

 

4. HeySummit

HeySummit focuses on simplifying event setup and management, especially for creators and small teams. It allows organizers to manage different event formats and coordinate speakers while relying on external streaming tools for delivery. The platform is designed to handle both live and pre-recorded content and supports recurring or automated event workflows.

Key features:

• Flexible event formats: Supports live, pre-recorded, hybrid, and in-person events
• Broadcast integrations: Connects with tools like Zoom, YouTube, and Vimeo
• Speaker management: Provides dashboards for managing speakers and sessions
• Landing page builder: Creates branded event pages without technical setup
• Automated events: Enables recurring and evergreen event workflows
• Stage and session control: Organizes sessions into tracks or continuous streams
• Ticketing support: Handles both virtual and in-person ticket configurations

 

 

5. vFairs

vFairs is an all-in-one event management platform that combines virtual environments with tools for registration, marketing, and on-site event support. It supports immersive virtual experiences alongside practical event operations such as ticketing, exhibitor management, and analytics. The platform is designed to handle both virtual-only and hybrid events at scale.

Key features:

• Event management suite: Includes registration, ticketing, and event websites
• Virtual environments: Offers immersive spaces with webinars, booths, and networking
• Exhibitor and sponsor tools: Provides dedicated portals for managing participation
• Mobile event apps: Supports attendee engagement and networking on mobile devices
• Lead capture: Tracks attendee interactions and generates leads
• Analytics and reporting: Measures engagement and event performance
• Support services: Includes onboarding, project management, and live technical support

 

 

6. Remo

Remo aims to replicate in-person networking through a virtual environment built around interactive spaces. It enables participants to move between tables and engage in small-group conversations, making it suitable for networking-heavy events. The platform combines this with standard presentation and webinar capabilities.

Key features:

• Interactive floor plans: Uses customizable layouts to simulate real event spaces
• Networking tables: Supports small-group video conversations
• Dual event modes: Switches between presentation and networking formats
• Engagement tools: Includes chat, polls, and Q&A
• Custom branding: Allows tailored environments and layouts
• Unlimited events: Supports multiple events with flexible configurations
• Registration and ticketing: Includes built-in attendee management features

 

 

7. EventCube

EventCube focuses on ticketing, registration, and end-to-end event management, with support for both virtual and in-person experiences. It provides customizable workflows for selling tickets, managing attendees, and running events, with an emphasis on flexibility and cost control.

Key features:

• Ticketing system: Supports multiple ticket types, discounts, and pricing models
• Event marketing tools: Includes self-service tools for promotion and communication
• Membership management: Handles subscriptions and recurring payments
• Custom branding: Allows white-label customization across event touchpoints
• Scalable platform: Supports events of different sizes and formats
• Integrated products: Combines ticketing, virtual events, and memberships
• Checkout experience: Provides branded purchase flows for attendees

 

 

8. Tame

Tame is built for organizations that want to design highly customized virtual event experiences, especially for marketing, training, and corporate communications. It emphasizes branding, integrations, and data insights, allowing teams to connect event activity with broader business systems.

Key features:

• Custom event design: Fully branded environments tailored to each event
• Data insights: Provides analytics for audience behavior and engagement
• Integration ecosystem: Connects with external tools via platforms like Zapier
• Use case flexibility: Supports marketing, training, investor relations, and internal events
• Interactive experiences: Focuses on engagement-driven content delivery
• Workflow connectivity: Links event data with other business systems

 

 

9. Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform built around real-time interaction and large-scale audiences. While not a traditional event platform, it is often used for virtual events that prioritize reach and audience engagement through live chat and community features.

Key features:

• Live streaming at scale: Supports large audiences with continuous broadcasts
• Real-time chat: Enables direct interaction between hosts and viewers
• Content categories: Covers a wide range of topics beyond gaming
• Community building: Allows creators to grow and engage dedicated audiences
• Developer ecosystem: Supports extensions and custom tools
• Audience reach: Provides access to a large, active user base

 

 

10. SpotMe

SpotMe is an enterprise-focused event platform that helps manage complex event workflows and drive engagement. It integrates event data with CRM systems and supports both live and on-demand experiences, with an emphasis on personalization and long-term audience engagement.

Key features:

• Event workflows: Manages end-to-end event processes and experiences
• Audience engagement: Supports interactive sessions and peer-to-peer interaction
• CRM integration: Syncs event data with systems like Salesforce and HubSpot
• Content personalization: Delivers tailored experiences for attendees
• Hybrid support: Handles both virtual and in-person event formats
• Analytics: Captures engagement data for reporting and optimization
• Scalable deployment: Built for enterprise-level event programs

 

 

11. InEvent

InEvent is a comprehensive event management platform with strong capabilities in registration, customization, and enterprise event operations. It supports a wide range of event types and includes AI-driven tools to automate workflows and improve event setup and execution.

Key features:

• Registration management: Custom forms, approvals, and waitlist handling
• Event website builder: Creates branded event pages and workflows
• AI tools: Includes AI assistants for registration, content, and automation
• Hybrid event support: Covers virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats
• Onsite solutions: Provides badge printing and check-in tools
• Marketing automation: Integrates email workflows and communication tools
• Global reach: Supports events across multiple regions and industries

 

 

 FAQ

 

• Where can you host virtual events?

That’s the genius of virtual events–you can host them anywhere! Host a conference from your bedroom or rent out a concert hall for a hybrid livestream performance.

 

However, as we’ve run down above, your choice of tools and platform will count for a lot. Additionally, make sure you or your platform provider has adequate network bandwidth and storage capacity to broadcast and manage the content.

 

• What kind of events can you do with a virtual event platform?

In the previous answer, we pointed to a range of virtual event types. Keep in mind that the capabilities of your platform will affect what you’re able to execute: a small-scale networking tool is not the best virtual event platform for a stream that will attract thousands of viewers.

 

• What is the difference between a virtual event platform and a video conferencing tool?

The primary difference is that a conferencing tool tends to host a single speaking session, even if it’s one-to-many or many-to-many, whereas virtual event platforms are designed to allow for multiple live sessions. While conferencing tools often do the trick, virtual event platforms are geared towards handling complex events with configured agendas, and multiple workshops, networking events, or speaking sessions happening at the same time.

 

 

Kaltura – The leading virtual event platform solution

 

We mentioned earlier we’d be taking a deeper dive into what Kaltura can offer you for virtual events. Well, the time is now! When deciding which virtual event platform will be best for hosting your events, we can safely recommend our own advanced virtual event solution, Kaltura Virtual Events, as the platform of choice. Kaltura Events ensures any event will feel like a fully-planned effort, even if meeting in person is not an option. It’s our mission to make sure all of your virtual events can be on-brand and simple to create and execute. We can provide high-quality video streaming, best-in-class engagement and interaction features, and a reliable platform from which to launch content and live interactions … in other words, we provide you the best possible foundation and leave the rest up to you!

 

Kaltura Virtual Events is a fully-featured virtual event platform that can help facilitate through the planning stages into execution and follow-ups. During the planning and setup stages of your virtual event, you can take advantage of our agenda-building capabilities as well as fully customizable landing pages and preset event templates. We have 5 main templates that can either be implemented “as-is” as well as reused or reworked: Interactive Webinar, Town Hall and Large Broadcast, Single Track, Multi-Day Multi-Track, and Flagship Event. Our Flagship Events template is particularly geared toward those “Once-a-year and one-of-a-kind” types of virtual events and comes with the full advantages of our platform as well as excellent production support from our teams. On a smaller scale, the Interactive Webinar format can be a great option for a standout team meeting. Our templates have robust features for individualized modification and are intended to keep you 100% on-brand, as well as make it possible to extend your reach by scaling up and adding tracks and content.

 

Kaltura Virtual Events also features out-of-the-box integrations as a modular framework for your SaaS tools, including conferencing clients, marketing automation platforms, and data analytics. On a larger scale, our automation features can empower you to use your event to create personalized, customized, and automated live marketing that puts you on track for follow-up campaigns. For more intimate virtual corporate events, we enable hyper-personalization for all attendees, including personalized agendas, selecting topics of interest during registration, content recommendations, customizable layouts, personal media collections, and other options to significantly individualize any virtual event experience.