Zoom has launched a Video Software Development Kit (SDK) that will enable developers to leverage Zoom’s industry-leading HD video, audio, and interactive features to build video-based applications and desktop experiences with native user interfaces.
An additional offering of its Zoom Developer Platform, elevating it from a leading unified communications application to a fully-fledged platform or foundation that applications and businesses can be built upon.
The Video SDK is part of the Zoom Development Platform which also includes APIs, chatbots, Webhooks, and distribution for applications and integrations.
Natalie Mullin, Product Marketing Manager, App Marketplace at Zoom, said: “With the ability to build the reliability and scale-ready performance of Zoom’s video-first unified communications platform into their products and applications, second- and third-party developers are able to leverage our Video SDK to create new and exciting experiences.
“Using our Video SDK, developers can drive customer engagement and provide new opportunities for revenue without being tied to the Zoom Meetings user interface and licensing fees”
The Video SDK supports HD video and audio for up to 300 participants per session. Well-known features from Zoom – such as screen sharing, in-session chat and customisable video layouts – are also available.
Zoom said that the Video SDK can be used by developers to enhance a business’ customer experience while also boosting engagement.
Zoom revealed a selection of use cases to demonstrate the benefits:
- Social: Developers can integrate Zoom’s functionality into social media applications to create reliable and engaging communications experiences, such as on-the-go live streaming with interactive chat
- Gaming: Using Zoom’s HD video and audio and interactive features, developers can build desktop gaming apps that offer new opportunities for audience engagement
- Retail: Organisations can leverage Zoom’s interactive features to create unique shopping experiences that are tailored to customers and drive revenue
Zoom is encouraging developers to get started straight away with a ‘buy now’ option that gives them instant access to the tools.
Zoom is also giving developers 10,000 session minutes per month at no charge, with additional charges then calculated on a consumption basis. There is also the option of a $1,000 annual charge for 30,000 session minutes per month.
Developers can discuss the Video SDK package with Zoom by selecting ‘contact sales’ here.
The Video SDK has already been used by some businesses, including AI-based translation software provider Lingmo.
Danny May, CEO at Lingmo International, said: “Zoom’s fully customizable Video SDK was a good fit for us because it worked seamlessly with our technology and enabled us to assist enterprise customers in a new way.
“Zoom’s Video SDK allowed us to accelerate the development of our solution and gave us the flexibility to enhance our product offering for our customers.”
The Future of Customer Engagement
The Video SDK launch comes as video-based interactions continue to play an important role in customer engagement – a trend that is only going to increase over the coming years.
Industry analyst, Zeus Kerravala, said:
“Video usage is at an all-time high. The next wave of video-based experiences will be driven by embedding video directly into business and consumer applications that seamlessly improve workflows and enhance social interaction”
“Zoom’s Video SDKs are easy to work with and enable nimble development of fully customizable video-based applications.”
