What is Asynchronous Communication and Why Does it Matter?

There are two types of communication: synchronous and asynchronous.

• Synchronous communication is communication that happens in real-time. Think of a traditional phone call, where two people communicate at the same time. Both people are present for the conversation.
• Asynchronous communication is the opposite. It happens at different times. Think of an online video communication platform. Someone might send a video message at 2 p.m., but the recipient might not reply until 3 p.m. The communication doesn't take place in real-time but over time.

Technology allows businesses like yours to communicate asynchronously. Someone in your New York City office might send an important video message to your Tokyo office in the middle of the night, and you read it and reply to it in the morning. A phone call doesn't let you communicate like this. You'd miss the call, and you wouldn't receive important information.

In this guide, learn more about this communication method and how it benefits your business.

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Asynchronous Communication Defined

Asynchronous communications take place over an undetermined period. These conversations occur over various technologies and platforms:

• Email
• Live chat
• Social media (direct message, comments, replies)
• Viostream, a top video communication platform for businesses and governments.

While synchronous communication is instantaneous, asynchronous happens over minutes, hours, days, weeks, or months. It doesn't require any person to respond to the communication straight away, which can be helpful for several reasons. Asynchronous conversations didn't really happen before the internet but now almost every business benefits from this communication type whether it's communicating with customers via live chat or brainstorming ideas with co-workers via video.

If your looking for a video hosting platform tailored for the needs of a growing enterprise, Viostream has your covered. With branded video galleries and advanced security controls, you can host your video content in a unique setting that will only be accessed by those you choose when it is most convenient for them. To see how Viostream is revolutionizing video for business, start your free trial today.

Related Reading: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Benefits of Communicating Asynchronously

Not all conversations have to happen instantaneously, and not everyone has to reply to messages in real-time. Benefits of the asynchronous method include:

You Can Come Back to the Conversation Later

Say someone wants to invest in your company. The investor makes you an offer and wants you to accept it. Synchronous communication, like a telephone call, would require you to respond immediately. Sure, you could tell the investor to call back later, but your delayed response might affect the offer.

Now say the investor made you the offer via a pre-recorded video message. You can watch the video, think about it, and wait for a while before replying. The investor won't know you've watched the video, and you can carry on the conversation whenever you like. Communicating asynchronously, therefore, gives you more flexibility. You don't have to rush your response.

You Can Consult With Your Team

Synchronous communication typically involves your full attention. A business telephone call, for example, comprises a steady stream of conversation, where you and the other person talk continuously. The asynchronous method lets a conversation 'breathe' because you don't have to reply straight away. Use this downtime to consult with your team and get valuable insights from other people.

Take the example of the investor. Communicating asynchronously gives you ample opportunities to talk over the offer with team members.

You Can Save Conversations for Future Reference

Because synchronous communication happens in real-time, you can't save conversations. You could try to record a phone call, but this might require the other person's consent. You might also have to transcribe the conversation. Communicating asynchronously lets you save conversations for future reference. Email and live chat providers, intranet services, and a good online video platform automatically save your messages by default, so you have an accurate record for fact-checking, compliance, and other purposes.

Further Reading: What Are the Benefits of Asynchronous Communication?

How Viostream Helps

Viostream is an online video platform solution that facilitates both asynchronous and synchronous communications online. Benefit from these features when using both communication methods:

Synchronous

• Live video streaming: Create and share live videos on the internet
• Live URLs: Sharable URLs so viewers can watch your videos in real-time
• Live video embeds: Embed your live content into various platforms

Asynchronous

• Video-on-demand (VOD): Create videos that people can watch and (respond to) at a time that suits them
• Video playlists: Add videos to playlists so viewers can watch content on their terms
• Video social sharing: Let followers comment on videos whenever they like
• Video embeds: Embed recorded content into your website and other platforms

Viostream offers video creation and management features you won't find on free services like YouTube, including advanced security, metrics, and media management tools. You can also benefit from bespoke features such as branded video galleries and personal portals for enhanced engagement, collaboration, and creativity. It is a top video platform for businesses and governments and has provided world-class asynchronous and synchronous communication services for almost 20 years.

Communicating synchronously and asynchronously both benefit your business, but for different reasons. Asynchronous conversations let you respond to messages whenever you like, allow you to consult with your team about important issues, and help you keep accurate records of communications. Using an online video platform like Viostream powers both strategies as you grow your business.

Viostream is your all-in-one video platform for synchronous and asynchronous communication with live streaming and VOD features that power your organization. Contact our customer support team to learn more about how Viostream's professional video hosting platform can help improve your business communications today.