A webinar is a specific type of web conference. It is typically one-way, from the speaker to the audience with some audience interaction. A webcast is an example of a webinar that typically has one way communication only. A webinar can be very collaborative and include polling and question & answer sessions to allow full participation between the audience and the presenter. In some cases, the presenter may speak over a standard telephone line, pointing out information being presented on screen and the audience can respond over their own telephones, preferably a speaker phone. There are web conferencing technologies on the market that have incorporated the use of VoIP audio technology, to allow for a truly web-based communication.

In the early years of the Internet, the terms "web conferencing" was often used to describe a group discussion in a message board and therefore not live. The term has evolved to refer specifically to live or "synchronous" meetings.

Below are some of the things used in a webinar. All of them aren't necessary and will depend upon the purpose of the webinar you are holding

* Slide presentations (often created through PowerPoint)
* Live video (via webcam or digital video camera)
* VoIP (Real time audio communication through the computer via use of headphones and speakers)
* Telephone w/ Bridge Line (This can sometimes be used instead of VoIP, in conjunction with live video)
* Web tours - where URL's, form data, cookies, scripts and session data can be pushed to other participants enabling them to be pushed though web based logins, clicks, etc. This feature works well for demonstrations that allow users to also participate.
* Recording (for viewing at a later time by anyone using a unique web address - most web conferencing services include this feature)
* Whiteboard with annotation (allowing the presenter and/or attendees to highlight or mark items on the slide presentation. Or, simply make notes on a blank whiteboard.)
* Text chat (for live question and answer sessions)
* Polls and surveys (allows the presenter to conduct questions with multiple choice answers directed to the audience)
* Screen sharing/desktop sharing/application sharing (where participants can view anything the presenter currently has shown on their screen. Some screen sharing applications allow for remote desktop control, allowing participants to manipulate the presenters screen, although this is not widely used.)