Building A WebRTC Voice & Video Chat App in 2024
Published On July 23rd, 2024 Communication
“WebRTC is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 34.37% with market value above $ 300 Billion by 2031”
Heard of Flash and Licensing codecs?
These were the technologies that were used long before WebRTC came into existence.
So, is WebRTC so powerful to completely replace giant technologies?
Well, absolutely yes!
WebRTC is a big bundle of open-source frameworks and are greatly used to build Zoom-like and Skype-like apps.
Plus, with this technology, you can enable high-quality and low-latent connections between 2 or more browsers. Guess what, you do not need third-party plugins or software!
But is it really that easy to use?
As from what we know, a couple of years back, creating a web chat system was relatively a solid strain for developers.
The emergence and popularity of WebRTC have created immense potentiality for browsers to deliver and tackle peer-to-peer communication.
You might ask,
Will WebRTC make the development process simpler and quicker?
Well, the answer to this and a lot more will be discussed in the blog post below.
We shall also focus on the basics of WebRTC, its APIs, and the process of implementing video and voice chat with WebRTC. We will also cover the different servers behind this technology.
Table of Contents
How Does MirrorFly Bring Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) To You?
MirrorFly, a superlative in-app communication solution that offers 150+ WebRTC-enabled video, voice and chat SDKKs.
With these SDKs, you will be able to build impeccable live video calls, HQ voice and chat features into your web and mobile apps.
And the key reason why MirrorFly stands out in a competitive market is that it caters to developers of all expertise levels. How?
MirrorFly offerlive video chat apps 2 different pricing models:
- SaaS or Cloud solutions
- SaaP or Self-hosted chat solution
Browser & Mobile Signaling in WebRTC
Desktop:
Chrome, Firefox, Opera
Mobile:
Android & iOS support
Before getting into the building of a real-time WebRTC video chat app, let us be clear in identifying the functional dependencies to be used to build WebRTC Android/iOS and Web chat App.
Thorough WebRTC Library:
A complete WebRTC peer-to-peer native code package is required for every developer who wishes to use WebRTC API for chat app development for Android, iOS or web browsers.
jQuery
jQuery is used to handle the event manipulation and simplify the HTML with the easy to use APIs that work on several browsers.
Semantic UI CSS:
A framework used to contrive responsive layouts through human-friendly HTML with an elegant CSS framework that works on embellishing the user experience of the Chat Platform.
Handlebars
A compatible template provides the potential power to build semantic templates in HTML language. This brings significant changes in the mobile devices to embed simple WebRTC messaging features on Android and iOS platforms.
Apart from these dependencies, there are several frameworks and functionalities required to build a chat app with WebRTC enabled video and voice calling.
How Does Video/Audio Transmission of Chat Application take place?
Initially, both video and voice call functionalities depend on the streaming media between two client servers connected to each other.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is one of the most familiar and trusted standard techniques for voice and live video chat apps over the Web.
As we are very much aware of, WebRTC is the significant implementation for streaming media content from one client-server to another.
- Signaling
- STUN Server
- TURN Server
Signaling – Peer-to-Peer Connection
Signaling Websockets are used to set up call connections between the client servers. The client connection must adapt to each other by sending messages, data and media over the public IP address of both the clients webrtc signaling servers. To get the IP address, We use STUN Server.
STUN Server – Local IP Address
With the use of NAT (Network Address Translation) which provides the local IP address of the device to have peer to peer connection. To make this connection using WebRTC, we need to get the public IP address where STUN Server provides it.
TURN Server – Mediator
This server acts as a mediator to connect both the clients if case peer to peer fails. It sends data from one client to another over a signaling process. This methodology works for webRTC video and Audio calls on android/iOS chat app and also for media to create support for the WebRTC applications.
If you are about to integrate WebRTC into your Android/iOS chat app, then probably you must have a clear idea on three WebRTC APIs which plays crucial in developing your WebRTC voice/video chat on Android or iOS.
Now, let us dig deeper into WebRTC APIs.
Also Read: WebRTC FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A Comprehensive Insight into WebRTC APIs for iOS/Android Chat Application
MediaStream
This allows you to obtain the access over the camera, screen or microphone of the device used by the user.
It also provides additional layers as a security, where it only allows access if the user is connecting from a (HTTP) secure connection. It allows the users to stream their entire media library.
This getUserMedia have three parameters namely:
- A Constraints object
- A Success Callback method
- A Failure Callback Method
RTCPeerConnection
This WebRTC allows the user to communicate directly to have a peer-to-peer connection, transcoding of the media files. It encodes and decodes the entire media content and voice / video chat that is sent to the remote server and from your local machine in receiving your media files.
RTCDataChannel
It helps in transferring the data directly between the two peer users connected in a bi-directional data channel. This also helps in creating a secure connection to send data at a real-time function.
Recommended Reading
Some of the Highlights that includes in implementing the Interface
Text Communication:
This allows the user to communicate over text in a real-time chat experience on all the Webrtc audio and video-enabled iOS/Android chat apps.
Voice Communication:
Based on Voice-over IP technology in real-time over the Internet through chat applications. Low latency is carried to make 1-to-1 or 1-to-many WebRTC voice chat app connections across all the devices.
Video Communication:
Video Connection helps in making quality WebRTC-enabled video and audio calls on Android/iOS chat apps continuously at low latency.
Adaptive bitrate reduces the complexity of video/audio chat at a high pixel rate.
Conclusion
These methodologies are quite bewildering right!
To make this more compatible and easier, MirrorFly is inbuilt with all these technologies and features embedded with WebRTC. This results in delivering a highly successful WebRTC-enabled Voice/Video Chat App that runs seamlessly on iOS/Android and Web browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a WebRTC video?
WebRTC (Web Real-time Communication) video is a technology that enables web-based applications to establish P2P audio/video connections and data transfer between browsers without the need for plugins or any third-party software. Moreover, WebRTC video uses Javascript APIs to seamlessly deliver high-quality, and low latent video and audio streams between web browsers thus making it an ideal choice for building video conferencing, live streaming, and other use cases.
Is WebRTC good for video calls?
Yes. WebRTC has proved to be the best and most widely adopted protocol for building real-time communication apps with video calling capabilities. It currently uses advanced video codecs to deliver low latent and high-quality video calls even under unstable network connectivity, and help an engineer build everything from a reliable video chat to an enterprise-level communication solution.
How does WebRTC video work?
WebRTC (Web Real-time Communication) is an open-source protocol that enables data transfer and real-time communication between browsers and devices using Javascript APIs.
Here’s how WebRTC video works:
– The first step is establishing a P2P connection across browsers using an SDP protocol that allows for data exchange in video, voice, or chat format.
– Next, the browsers start to gather ICE candidates that help browsers to connect with peers.
– As peers are located on a private IP network, WebRTC uses NAT traversal for browsers to reach each other.
– Finally, P2P moves across a relay TURN server and starts transmitting data.
Does WebRTC support chat functionality?
Yes. WebRTC does support chat functionality in addition to voice and video capabilities. With the WebRTC protocol, developers can easily build real-time communication apps, and add features like file sharing and screen sharing without installing any plugins or third-party software. Above this, the protocol is also compatible with all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
What is the role of WebRTC in VoIP?
WebRTC is just an extension of VoIP
that makes video and audio calling, messaging, and P2P file transfer between mobile apps or web browsers seamlessly possible. It uses Javascript API to directly establish real-time communication between web browsers without the need to download any plugins or software.
Also Read: What is the Flutter WebRTC Plugin? A Complete Guide
What is the difference between VoIP and WebRTC?
WebRTC can be seen as an extension of VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) or a means to carry out VoIP. However, the real difference between the two is the underlying technology. VoIP uses a central server to route video/audio calls while WebRTC uses P2P architecture for establishing a connection. Secondly, VoIP requires the need of plugins whereas WebRTC enables real-time communication between browsers without any software or plugins installed.
Krishi Shivasangaran is a digital nomad and a veteran of Digital Marketing strategies. She is passionate about learning the newest trends in video APIs. And, when she's off-role, she loves to sketch and make people realize the true color of nature.
What are the codecs can support Contus Fly WebRTC?
For Video: VP8, VP9, H.264
For Audio: Opus, Vorbis, PCMU, PCMA
Further any query regarding WebRTC audio / Video chat development. Please feel free to ask.
Is it possible to develop a video chat application for a website?
Which script can you use this Web Realtime communication & explain the browser support?
It provides a simple JavaScript API that supports WebRTC capable browsers and a plug-in for Safari and IE.
Is this Contus Fly provide white label WebRtc voice video calling for the healthcare industry?
I am working on a iOS 10 app with the functionality of p2p video chat just like Skype. I surfing on search engine, there is no libraries for iOS 10 native?
So, then I decided to go with WebRTC. How can I
create a video chat native iOS client with the use of these libraries?
is this support flash service for video chat script?
I want to connect multi-party video conferencing using webrtc.
To use Webrtc, what is the best way framework or native API?
Why most of PC browsers cannot support video conferencing?
An old version of Internet Explorer & safari(MacOS default) has support in flash only. Now they integrate WebRTC into their browsers. Just update your browsers & let’s try.
Building the WebRTC Video Chat App Dependencies
SimpleWebRTC — the WebRTC library
Semantic UI CSS — an elegant CSS framework
jQuery — used for selecting elements on the page and event handling.
Handlebars — a JavaScript templating library, which we’ll use to generate HTML for the messages
Express — NodeJS server.
What technology for using video call chat app before & now?
An old one, Using Flash and proprietary codecs. Currently, video call technology has transformed and Flash is no longer required.
Now WebRTC maintained by top browsers like Google, Mozilla, Opera etc. WebRTC allows you to easily build real-time communication among the browser and is being standardized at the W3C & IETF levels. Using WebRTC, you can build real-time video chat applications that actually work well!
It is possible to develop WebRTC based video application using the ionic framework?
Does it support VOIP functionality?
Yes Alisha, Contus Fly WebRTC Solution supports all cross-platform communications in Android, iOS & Web.
is this possible to make voice call from application to landline?
That’s only I point out in the previous comment about cross-platform communication. A VOIP functionality purpose is to call from app to landline or application to web etc..
websocket protocol can send and receive voice and video call?
WebSocket is a protocol which bases on HTTP, so you can send or receive any data via WebSocket. But WebSocket cannot capture video data.
Websocket or WebRTC whom has more secure for use in chat application?
You can use webrtc.datachannel to send or receive any data, webrtc.datachannel is base on P2P.
can we use from WebSocket & WebRTC in same application together?
Of course, you need a signal server to exchange SDP for WebRTC. You can use WebSocket to build the signal server.
WebSocket or WebRTC which is faster?
WebSocket need a server, but WebRTC is a P2P connection, so WebRTC is faster.
Is WebRTC secure?
Encryption is mandatory for all WebRTC components, and its JavaScript APIs can only be used from secure HTTPS or localhost. Signaling mechanisms aren’t defined by WebRTC standards, so it’s up to you make sure to use secure protocols like a firewall (TURN server).
WebSocket or WebRTC which has more secure to use in chat app?
You can use WSS which make WebSocket more secure, of course, you can choose WS to build a WebSocket connection. WebRTC is base on DTLS, so it is more secure. You must use WebRTC via https or WSS, or it rejects to run.
we are doing a poc on video chat app (Android and ios). we are currently comparing voip service providers prices and sdk feature. Requesting you to provide pricing and flutter sdk documents.
Hi.
Really good information has been shared. After reading this I have managed to gather some knowledge from here and got to know about the creating a chat app: https://bit.ly/3bGtP31
Hello,
I need a webrtc with websocket chatroom which can stream video and audio to multiple people, An example of such software would be http://*******.com community chat 7 – Please let me know the cost of such service. P.S. I’m not a company although i do own my own servers.
Hi,
We are currently, a VoIP service provider. a couple of weeks back I contacted your team. I believe we are now in a position to move forward. am contacting you again for better understanding of your WebRTC capabilities, the MirrorFly services for voice (seems a new service from Contus). In brief, we are seeking solutions/services/technology partners to facilitate our transformation from a pure SIP trunking provider to Cloud communications company. Our primary focus is the voice (We might consider voice/chat later). At the same time, we are focusing on desktop applications (mobile is our secondary priority). We would like to offer our voice service as a integratable service to CRMs, standalone Click2call plugin. We would like to understand your solutions that could compliment and transform our services.
Regards,
Avi Mayer
I want to make an app. This app will be an entertaining app based on video calls with people around the world who want to play the game. I do not want to add too much detail for security reasons. The camera has to be on the player at all times otherwise it will not work. Another thing, is there any way the camera could detect smoke? Is this something that can be made on this site? Please email back. Thank you, Heather
We want to check the feasibility and cost aspects of a new platform we are developing. Following are the high level requirements.
Can you share the details of costing aspects. Also does this have any regional restrictions,
1. Virtual seminar
2. Up to eight people in a video call
3. Organiser will be the person who is creating the session
4. When he initates the call all the people will be able to pick up the call.
5. Once recording is completed video will be downloaded
Regards,
Rajat
I am *****.com. I need group video Callahan solution for the website. Please also let me know about pricing.
We are looking for a chat API for our ******** Network App… just to give you a quick overview, we need all the features available in WhatsApp/Telegram and one more in particular that I’ll explain below.
General features list:
Private (one-on-one) & Public (group) chats End-to-end Encryption Push Notifications Text & Emojis Media sharing Location features: share real-time live location, specific places location (list & map view) Join/leave group channels Reply/forward messages Mute/unmute notifications Block/unblock users Search within chat Analytics White-label
Specific feature:
We noticed that when you share a specific place location in WhatsApp or Telegram, they use the “Foursquare API” to show a list of all the nearby places around you… we want this same feature but instead of sharing a place location, we want to redirect users to a public chat room of that specific place…
Regards
Kaushik
I need video call from android to web connection with Webrtc technology. Kindly provide demo documentation so we can explore our code integration
I want to deploy a chat application similar to WeChat with webrtc infrastructure. What is exactly what you offer? Your web site doesn’t declare clearly what you do. By the way, your form doesn’t accept my e mail address so I’m using hotmail.
I would like to integrate Mirrorfly API/SDK into an android/iOS/webapp for video calling with webrtc technology such as screen sharing, whiteboard and in-app messaging. Kindly help me to proceed further.
We are a startup that is looking to provide video messaging capabilities within our messaging/social media app. We wanted to get an understanding of your pricing model/user and how we can integrate it within our current application.
I want to develop an app with video call included, i am at the very beginning in app developing, what would be the cost of implementing your services?
i’m devolving a wEBRTC web application. This web app will have Voice, video and texting service for peer to peer. Are your API’s compatible with Dajngo? and what’s the cost details?
We are currently building an app and are expected to complete development in the next two days. We would like to get your video calling API with webrtc technology.
Dears,
We are searching for a solution that can integrates voice capabilities with an existing app. We need a solution that explore different options: 1) Backend Voice options 2) frontend solutions In order to give you a clear picture we need to have a call in order for you to prepare a proposal with a list of features and quotations.
Regards,
Digital
Hello,
I have a few question about your API. We are developing mobile applications for iOS and Android with Webrtc technology. And we want to integrate it to our app as video call and chat. We have a couple questions. Do you have any log system about the calls which users meet? or Do we record the call as video or audio? Can you give us a demo sample for IOS and Android for seeing useable on our apps? And the last one,
what is the cost for video call(not conf) with/without chat?
Thanks in advance.
Have a good day
Hi, i’m looking for chat platform that offers chat via video or audio too (webRTC) to integrate with my eCommerce. Then my customers can talk to a seller via vídeo, but this platform must work on ios and android as well as desktops (not a native app, still website on mobile)
We need to integrate voice,video and text chat into web and mobile platform. This should have one to one private sessions and also provide us with ease to share files over text chat sessions
We have shortlisted this application for demo of video calling services to be integrated with our mobile app, please connect with us asap with a demo version
Thanks for providing a such a wonderful details of video chat application. I got it more details from this content. But I would like to refer another similar article to you. https://bit.ly/2Xx9wzz
I was looking for this information relating to webrtc video and voice chat application…. You have really eased my work, loved your writing skill as well. Please keep sharing more such information! Looking forward to read more…
Hello, we are interested in your Web RTC + SIP solution. Would be great to know more about the solution and pricing. All the best, Andrius