Introduction
Embedding a video stream into Swapcard is a key part of delivering a dynamic and engaging virtual or hybrid event. Whether you're planning live keynotes, simulive panels, or on-demand sessions, selecting the right video integration method ensures high-quality playback, accessibility, and interactivity.
Benefits:
Enhance the attendee experience with seamless video playback inside Swapcard.
Leverage familiar streaming platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, OBS, etc.) to deliver your content.
Enable engagement features like live discussions and Q&A directly within your sessions.
Compatible video methods in Swapcard
Swapcard supports multiple video integration options, depending on your needs:
1. Swapcard Backstage (live only)
Overview:
A built-in studio that allows speakers to go live directly from the platform without requiring external tools.
Best for:
Single or multiple speakers
Moderated sessions
Live interaction (polls, Q&A)
2. RTMP Stream (Third-party tools like OBS, Zoom, Restream, etc.)
Overview:
Use external production tools to stream your session live via an RTMP link provided by Swapcard.
Best for:
Professional broadcasts
Events with custom branding and production
Multi-speaker panel discussions
3. Embedded Video Hosting Platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, or custom iFrame)
Overview:
Embed pre-recorded or live videos from platforms that support iFrame embedding by using a video ID or embed code.
Best for:
Simulive or on-demand sessions
Hosting on external platforms with native analytics
Simple integration without a production tool
4. Video File Upload (Simulive/Pre-recorded)
Overview:
Upload a pre-recorded video file to simulate a live broadcast, with playback beginning automatically at the session start time.
Best for:
Simulive sessions with scheduled times
Controlled viewing experience
Professional videos edited in advance
How to add a video to a session in Swapcard
In Studio, go to your session and click to edit it.
Navigate to the Format & Video section.
Select the desired video format:
No video (for in-person)
Swapcard Backstage
RTMP stream
Embedded video hosting platform
Video file
Roundtable
Follow the on-screen prompts to either:
Paste the video ID or iFrame (YouTube/Vimeo),
Input RTMP credentials from your external tool,
Upload a video file for simulive playback.
When you filled in all session details, you have the ability to add AI-generated session summaries.
RTMP & Backstage: Perfect for keynote speeches and main stage broadcasts.
Roundtables: Capture the essence of group discussions without the fluff. 🤝
Video Files: Give your pre-recorded content a professional written overview.
Once your session concludes, the AI processes the transcript and populates the summary section in Studio. Simply review the draft, make any desired edits to the text, and hit save to publish it to your attendee app.
Controlling video content visibility
By default, anyone who can see a session can also watch its video. Video Content Visibility lets you decouple the two: attendees can still see the agenda, description, and speakers for a session, while the video player itself is restricted to specific groups. This gives you more control over monetizing on-demand content and tailoring hybrid experiences.
Why it matters
Monetize on-demand content: Keep a session visible to everyone to spark interest, but restrict video playback to VIP or paid ticket holders.
Tailor hybrid experiences: Show the video stream only to your virtual audience, while onsite attendees see just the session info and location.
Protect exclusive content: Exclude specific groups, such as Guests or certain attendee tiers, from viewing sensitive or premium recordings.
What's changed
The previous "Make the stream public" toggle has been replaced with a more flexible, restriction-based model:
Group-based restrictions: In Session Preferences, choose which groups should not have access to the video. If no groups are selected, everyone with session access can watch.
Guest and Community control: Dedicated toggles let you hide video content from Guest users and from Community members who haven't registered for your event.
Clean fallback experience: If someone doesn't have video access, they won't see a broken player or an error, the video is replaced by the session's banner image, keeping the interface professional.
Default preferences: Set your video visibility rules once in Default Session Preferences, and every new session you create will inherit them automatically.
How to set it up
Go to Studio → Content → Sessions.
Select a session (it must be a Live Stream, Pre-recorded, or On-demand type).
Open the Preferences tab.
Scroll to Video content restriction.
Select the groups you want to block from viewing the video.
Click Save.
Tip: To apply this across your whole event at once, go to Event Settings → Default session preferences and set your video visibility rules there before you start building your agenda. Every new session will inherit them, saving you from configuring each one individually.
Live streaming scenarios
One speaker
Use direct broadcast via YouTube, Vimeo, or any supported iFrame. Copy the video ID or embed code and paste it into Swapcard.
Multiple Speakers
Use platforms compatible with RTMP or iFrame (e.g., OBS, Zoom + YouTube, Restream). Stream to a host platform, then embed that stream into Swapcard.
Pre-recorded and On-demand Videos
If your video is hosted on YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
Simply copy and paste the video link, ID, or iFrame into your session.
If your video is not yet hosted
Upload it to YouTube/Vimeo or use a tool like Restream to schedule a simulive broadcast and generate an embeddable stream.
On-demand sessions
Embed a video that can be watched at any time. Note: session date/time will be hidden from attendees.
Attendee Experience: what users see
Before the session Starts
More than 24 hours before: attendees see a "Coming Soon" message with date/time.
Less than 24 hours before: a countdown appears.
Once the session Starts
The video appears at the top of the session page.
Autoplays on most browsers (Safari requires manual play).
Viewers can enter full-screen and engage in Live discussions for interaction.
If the viewer doesn't have video access (see Controlling video content visibility above), the player is replaced by the session's banner image instead of an error or broken player.
Adding closed captioning for Sessions
Closed captioning is available for RTMP Live stream sessions, Simu-live Pre-recorded Sessions, and Backstage sessions. It is also currently only available in English.
Activating Closed captioning
In the Event app, Attendees only need to click on the CC button available within the player to activate Closed captioning.
Closed captioning AI
Auto-generated artificial intelligence CC, English language only. This is set by default on the player in the Event app. Users can enable it at no extra cost by pressing the CC button embedded in the player.
Closed captioning Professional
A powerful AI tool supported by a professional to monitor each Session. The closed captioning professional will be correcting the live closed captions provided with no delay. At the moment this can only be enabled manually and at an extra cost of $250 per Session.
We require at least 3 days of advanced notice in order to assign a closed captioning professional to your Session.
Specific words can be submitted to teach the AI and assist the professionals to be 100% accurate with the closed captions. Service is only available in English at this time.
CC is available for both the Web platform and mobile apps and is also shown within the Studio's preview windows.
Swapcard gives you the flexibility to deliver video content your way—whether it's live, simulive, or on-demand, and now to control exactly who can watch it. By choosing the right streaming method, applying video content visibility where it matters, and leveraging tools like closed captioning and live discussion, you can create an immersive and inclusive experience for every attendee. For the smoothest experience, always test your video integration ahead of time and consult with your AV team or event producer if needed.