Top 11 Features to Consider in a Video API for Developers

#1. Access to Raw Frames 

Raw frames refer to the original, unprocessed video frames captured by a camera before any compression, encoding, or processing is applied. Since it is unprocessed data, raw frames are not the frames a user sees on the other end.  However, they are crucial for video processing, as access to raw frames enables: 

• Real-Time Effects and Filters: Apply effects and filters directly to the video stream. AI integration also requires raw frame access.
• Enhanced Security: Encrypt raw frames to add an extra layer of security before transmission.
• Detailed Analytics: Extract data for in-depth analytics.
• Custom Solutions: Create custom solutions tailored to specific business needs.

Raw frame access is a crucial feature in video chat APIs. Detailed information about this feature can typically be found in the SDK documentation (for example, for Enghouse Video’s Video SDK documentation, more details can be found here).

#2. Availability of Global Network

Having data centers close to users significantly impacts video call quality. When video streams have a shorter transmission path, latency, and data pack loss are reduced. Resultantly, users experience high-quality, lag-free video and audio, which is critical in real-time communication, especially video conferencing. 

For region-specific audiences, it’s essential that the video SDK provider has data centers nearby. Similarly, when catering to a global audience, a video communication provider with a comprehensive global network of data centers is crucial.

For Enghouse Video’s communication solutions, the SDKs and APIs benefit from Enghouse Video’s infrastructure, which is complemented by Google Cloud’s extensive support.

#3. Security 

Even a basic video call involves transmitting confidential user data, making security a critical concern. The stakes are even higher in healthcare, banking, finance, and government sectors, where data breaches can have severe consequences.

Robust security features are thus essential in any video chat API. Some of the key features to check for, include: 

• TLS and E2EE: TLS (Transport Layer Security) ensures secure data transmission between devices and servers. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) further safeguards the data by ensuring only the sender and receiver can decipher the message.
• Access Control: Role-based access control restricts data access, including monitoring and altering data, to only privileged users. Features like strong passwords and two-factor authentication can add further layers of security.
• User Data Protection: The video chat API should include encryption and password protection mechanisms to safeguard user data, even in a breach.

#4. Cross-Platform Support 

Cross-platform support is another aspect of any video conference API that deserves your attention. With a cross-platform API, you will achieve code reusability, faster development, wider reach, and consistent user experience. This feature also ensures that any changes—be they an update or bug fix—are reflected across all platforms.

However, not all cross-platform SDKs support the same platforms. It’s important to review each SDK’s documentation to ensure it covers the platforms your application requires.

#5. High-Quality Audio and Video 

When evaluating video and audio quality, both absolute quality and performance quality in varied network conditions should be considered. 

Absolute quality refers to the maximum quality the video chat API can deliver in stable, high-bandwidth, low-latency environments. For example, Enghouse Video’s Video SDK supports up to 4K UHD video and wideband audio. This level of quality is crucial for use cases like telehealth and education, which require the highest possible resolution and clarity. 

However, maintaining acceptable quality across different network conditions is even more critical in many scenarios. To achieve this, a video SDK should feature effective bandwidth management and fallback mechanisms. 

Enghouse Video’s Video SDK features Scalable Video Coding (SVC), which dynamically adjusts video quality based on network conditions to deliver a seamless experience. 

Reviewing a video communication solution’s documentation is essential to fully assess its capabilities. Developers should look beyond absolute quality and examine details like codecs used, SVC availability, and fallback options like audio-only mode or plug-ins.

#6. Access to Recordings

A robust video API should offer flexible recording options, whether automatic or on-demand, with secure storage that complies with data protection regulations. These recordings are essential for legal compliance, analysis, and educational purposes.

In Enghouse Video’s Video SDK, recordings are managed through a server component, VidyoReplay. This ensures sessions can be securely managed, recorded, and stored, aligning with industry standards.

Moreover, Enghouse Video’s Video SDK is GDPR and HIPAA-compliant, relieving developers of many responsibilities related to handling and storing recordings.

#7. Participant and Room Management 

Participant and room management are critical for effectively managing multiple rooms, access control, and resources. Participant management features become even more important in scenarios where participant privileges—such as who can join, speak, and share media—are a big part of the overall user experience.

To clearly understand a specific Video SDK’s offerings regarding such features, consult the vendor’s website and SDK documentation. Additionally, exploring relevant forums and review sites can provide insights into potential bugs and limitations.

For instance, besides ensuring effective access controls Enghouse Video’s Video SDK takes the user experience to next level by offering features like:

• It always shows active speakers on-screen during multi-party calls. 
• It allows for customization of the layout to meet your specific needs.
• It allows participants to share a single app or entire screen simultaneously with their videos improving the effectiveness of communication.

That’s not it, there is more! Feel free to contact our experts to learn more!

#8. REST APIs 

From a developer’s perspective, the availability of REST APIs in a video chat SDK is essential for several reasons:

• Seamless Integration: REST APIs facilitate easy integration with other systems and applications due to their standardized protocols and ability to transmit data in formats like plain text, HTML, XML, and JSON. This is particularly useful in enterprise environments where connecting with existing systems such as CRMs, databases, and analytics platforms is often necessary.
• Customization: REST APIs provide powerful tools for managing sessions, users, and permissions, allowing developers to tailor the video experience to specific organizational needs.
• Scalability: REST APIs’ stateless nature reduces server load, as the server does not need to retain previous client requests. This enables efficient scaling to handle increased traffic and demand.

When evaluating a video chat SDK, it’s essential to thoroughly examine the available REST APIs to ensure they meet your application’s specific requirements. For context, Enghouse Video’s communication APIs can be explored in detail here. 

#9. Modes of Deployment

While not a feature in the traditional sense, deployment flexibility can be a decisive factor when choosing a video chat API.

Many businesses, particularly those with established legacy systems, opt for on-premise deployment due to security and legal constraints. Others prefer a hybrid approach to balance control and scalability as needs fluctuate. Those seeking the flexibility of cloud technology with dedicated resources and enhanced security choose private cloud deployment. Meanwhile, a multi-tenant cloud offers scalability and cost-effectiveness while reducing overheads.

When evaluating a video SDK, the available deployment options should be considered. 

It is also essential to understand how the vendor executes these deployments and the level of support they provide.

For example, Enghouse Video’s SDK offers on-premise, hybrid, and cloud deployment. Detailed information on the deployment options can be viewed here.