Virtual meetings: meaning, types and real examples

A virtual meeting is a meeting where people join online from different places instead of gathering in the same room, using audio, video or full collaboration tools to talk, share and work together in real time. They have become a standard part of how teams operate, from quick check-ins to company-wide events. This article explains what virtual meetings are, the three main types, real examples, and how to choose the right format.

Table of contents

1. What is a virtual meeting?
2. Teleconference (audio only)
3. Video conference (audio and video)
4. Web conference (audio, video and content sharing)
5. Comparison of virtual meeting types
6. Other formats: webinars and hybrid meetings
7. Virtual meeting examples
8. How Digital Samba embeds video conferencing
9. Wrap-up
10. Frequently asked questions

What is a virtual meeting?

A virtual meeting is an online meeting that connects people in different locations over the internet, using audio, video and collaboration tools instead of a shared physical room. It can be as simple as a phone call or as rich as a browser-based session with video, screen sharing and live polls.

Even before the pandemic, virtual meetings had crept into the workplace through teleconferencing and video conferencing. The shift to remote and hybrid work then made web conferencing the default, and today most teams run client meetings, performance reviews, team catch-ups and workshops online. There are three main types of virtual meeting, which we look at below, and we also cover webinars and hybrid meetings as related formats.

The three main types of virtual meetings are: teleconferencing (audio only), video conferencing (audio and video), and web conferencing (full collaboration tools such as screen sharing, chat and polling). Each suits a different communication need.

Some teams also use virtual mail solutions alongside online meetings to keep fully remote offices running.

Teleconference (audio only)

Teleconferencing pioneered the virtual meeting world and was one of the first technologies to support remote work. It connects people by voice only, traditionally over an office telephone or mobile phone, and today it is mostly replaced by video and web meetings.

Pros

• Simple: almost everyone is comfortable with a phone, and because it is audio only, there is no camera or lighting to worry about.
• Low cost: audio-only calls use little bandwidth and need no special software, which makes them a cheap option.

Cons

• Audio only: without a visual element, communication is harder. Body language is an important part of everyday communication, and participants often rely on visual signals to read a room.
• Equipment gaps: in 2026, many remote teams no longer have a dedicated work phone, so an audio-only setup can be awkward to arrange.

Most organisations now treat standalone teleconferences as dated, since video and web platforms include audio-only as a feature anyway.

Video conference (audio and video)

Early internet video conferencing apps like Skype were a big step forward. Adding live video to remote meetings solved many of the problems of audio-only calls, though the first tools usually meant downloading client software and working through a setup process.

Pros

• Seeing each other: video lets participants read faces and body language, which makes meetings more personal and engaging than audio alone.
• Lower costs: a remote meeting is far cheaper than flying a team to one location, and less travel leaves more time for actual work.

Cons

• Software downloads: many early tools needed a download and IT help to set up, along with compatible webcams and microphones.
• Security: early video conferencing was less secure than today's tools, and important meetings were sometimes disrupted or exposed.

Web conference (audio, video and content sharing)

Video meeting software eventually grew into full web conferencing platforms. These run in the browser and add a wide range of collaboration features on top of audio and video.

Browser-based platforms like Digital Samba combine video with content sharing, cloud storage, Q&A and polling, custom branding, live streaming, breakout rooms and other tools built for business meetings.

Pros

• Interactive features: tools like polling, hand-raising, Q&A and shared notes keep participants engaged during meetings and events.
• Browser-based: attendees join from a one-click link, with no download or setup, which is a big advantage for large events or guests outside your organisation.

Cons

• Home network variability: office networks often have a backup connection; most home connections do not, and participants have little control over their own setup, so a weak home link can affect the call.

Comparison of virtual meeting types

The right format depends on your team's needs and how much collaboration you need. Here is how the three main types of online meeting compare on features, use cases and the tools involved.

Other formats: webinars and hybrid meetings

Beyond the three core types, two formats come up often enough to be worth naming in their own right:

• Webinars: one-to-many sessions where a host or panel presents to a large audience, usually with Q&A, chat and polls rather than open two-way video. They suit product launches, training and thought-leadership talks.
• Hybrid meetings: a mix of in-room and remote participants, where people in a physical room join the same session as colleagues dialling in by video. They have become common as teams split between the office and home.

Virtual meeting examples

Here are some of the most common virtual meetings businesses rely on to stay connected and productive, wherever their teams are based:

• Team stand-ups: short, regular video calls where a team aligns on goals, tasks and blockers. Common in Agile work, they keep remote teams in sync without long meetings. For recurring stand-ups, a meeting note taker can capture decisions and blockers so progress is tracked between calls.
• Client demos: hosted over web conferencing, client demos present a product in real time with screen sharing and live walkthroughs, giving a personal experience while cutting travel.
• Webinars: webinars are structured, often one-to-many sessions for educating or promoting, with live Q&A, polls, chat and breakout rooms. Businesses use them to launch products, train customers and build authority.
• One-on-one reviews: private video meetings between managers and employees for performance reviews, goal setting and coaching, giving a dedicated space for honest conversation in remote or hybrid teams.
• Remote onboarding: onboarding new hires through a series of interactive sessions, from welcome calls to role-specific training, using shared content and screen sharing for a consistent experience.

How Digital Samba embeds video conferencing

If you want to build virtual meetings into your own software or website rather than send people to a separate app, Digital Samba is built for that. As a GDPR-focused provider hosted in Europe, with optional end-to-end encryption, it meets strict privacy and security needs.

Its WebRTC video API lets you embed video calls directly in a website or product, with full audio, video and content sharing, so you can create a video conferencing experience that fits your own branding and workflow.

You can explore the full feature set or talk to our team about which setup fits your product.

Wrap-up

Knowing the types of virtual meeting helps you pick the right format for the job: a quick audio check-in, a face-to-face video catch-up, or a full browser-based session with content sharing and interaction. Match the format to the goal and the number of people, and the meeting runs better for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of virtual meetings?

The three main types are teleconferencing (audio only), video conferencing (audio and video), and web conferencing (audio, video and content sharing). Each suits a different communication need, depending on how much collaboration you need.

Which type of online meeting is best for remote teams?

Web conferencing is usually best for remote teams, because it supports real-time video, content sharing, chat and interactive tools like polls and breakout rooms, which help people collaborate as if they were in the same room.

Do I need to download software to join a virtual meeting?

Not always. Many modern platforms, including Digital Samba, are browser-based, so attendees can join from a one-click link with no download required.

Can virtual meetings fully replace in-person meetings?

For many purposes, yes. Some in-person interaction is still valuable, but virtual meetings now offer tools that support collaboration, relationship-building and even informal discussion.

What are some examples of online meetings used in business?

Common examples include team stand-ups, client demos, webinars, one-on-one reviews and remote onboarding. Each serves a specific business goal and can be run virtually with the right tools.

How do I choose the right virtual meeting platform?

Match the platform to your use case, looking for features like screen sharing, end-to-end encryption, breakout rooms or custom branding. If privacy matters, also check where the provider hosts your data.