What is Video API & How to Choose the Best Video APIs?

API (Application Programming Interface) saw its growth at the beginning of the Millenium, and since then, it has outshone exponentially in simplifying the development process from the scratch. Surprisingly, it has become a go-to weapon in every developer's toolkit giving them the required energy for creating feature-rich apps. An example of one such app is a video chat app! 

These days, we could see a huge surge in video communication solutions, be it video chats, group video calls, conference calls, or anything else. Video chats have completely and globally changed the way people converse thus making it the new wave of innovation. And for its aid, comes the Video Chat API.

What is Video API? 

The video API platform makes it easy for developers to embed real-time, high-quality interactive video, messaging, screen sharing, and more into web and mobile apps, in a few lines of code. All that is required from the developer's end is to just explain a certain number of parameters and plug the API code into any existing architecture. The app gets running! 

Further, video APIs are 

• Highly scalable and can match up with the demands of the businesses.
• Lesser in cost as it alleviates the cost behind building complex architecture from the scratch.
• Quick to integrate and could make a functionality work in minutes. 

Though there are benefits of video chat APIs, there are drawbacks too. Just like a swiss knife! A few of them are based on

• Encryption protocols
• Authorizing workflows and authentication
• Breach of data while integration
• Unsecured devices like laptops, phones, and tablets. 

Well, we encourage you to not underestimate APIs with the above-said elements, as you can find the true value of this technology with features like:

1. Encryption

Any type of interactions with API should be secured and encrypted using SSL/TLS encryption mechanisms. Because, security has become one of the prime concerns for users, and should be in line when a HTTP connection is established. 

Though APIs like RESTful or Simply REST API are proven to add security layers to client and server communication across the web, their value should be limited to offer only HTTPS endpoints. Using this feature, clients can easily verify the end user and protect their data from getting breached.

2. WebRTC

Another criteria that adds an extra layer of security to video chat APIs is the WebRTC technology. To make use of this tech, the IETF requires encryption standards and mechanisms to be followed on almost all WebRTC conversations. The fact is that no connection should be established without being encrypted.

WebRTC uses two encryption techniques to make video APIs secure- DTLS and SRTP. The former acronymed as Datagram Transport Layer Security is used for encrypting digital signals, whereas the latter that stands for Secure Real-time Transport Protocol is used for encrypting media platforms.

Though WebRTC is a peer-to-peer technology, if its connection is made via the TURN server, then there does not arise a necessity for media handling, storage, and immense security.

3. Authentication

Generally, the usage of APIs should be limited to authorized personnel with privileges. Only, the authenticated users should have access to the API code snippet. Because, to avoid any third-party intrusion, verification and authorization are the first layers of data safety.

Do these words sound similar to you? Maybe, but this is what makes them differ:

 - Authentication is the process of verifying individuals who they say they are, and

- Authorization is the process of giving certain privileges to users for accessing any information. Well, the authorization privileges should be kept to a bare minimum level.

To all the developers out there, make sure that authentication and authorization goes hand in hand for building a product or integrating a video chat API. Also, miss not to hold API keys and credentials locked from cyberattackers.

4. Additional Security Practices

It's not a hard deal to implement additional security measures for a safe data transfer. A few could be providing unique session IDs and unique passwords during a live video chat. This helps in adding an extra layer of security in video communication portals.

Also, limiting screen sharing during a video call can also help in preventing confidential information as moderators will not have any authority to limit attendees or force them to disconnect. 

So, here we stand understanding the basics of video chat APIs. Are you not sure what kind of video-calling API would be the right fit for your business? Help’s here! 

5 Main Points To Consider Before Choosing A Video Calling API 

As you delve deeper into the concept of video chat APIs, you would have got an idea of the pros they offer. But, picking the right video chat API is all that matters. So, based on our research, we have compiled a list of points to consider before going in for an API.

1. Global Server Infrastructure 

Generally, users prefer to opt for video calls that yield great streaming quality, stable connection, and low latency. Because, be it for connecting with friends over a sports win or a business meet, everyone prefers to use a reliable instrument. So, it is a must that the APIs you choose should possess a global server infrastructure that is reliable, scalable, and traceable.

2. Features and Pre-builds

Recreating the wheel is difficult and so are applications from scratch. So, APIs solve this issue by enabling developers to add specific features to their web or mobile apps with functions packed as pre-built components. If you have a powerful video chat API, development can take off at the earliest.

3. Security 

It is required that you opt for APIs that are built with E2E standards and other security mechanisms as they are not immune to different types of attacks. In case of a compromised authorization, then a malicious attacker could insert a faulty code into a program or intercept traffic between any two communication mediums impersonating users.

4. GDPR Compliance

Generally, APIs come in full compliance with GDPR and HIPAA, which are regulatories to prevent users' data from any malicious attacks. The General Protection Data Regulatory board aims to enhance data security with mechanisms like encryption, profiling, retention, and data transparency. It is a must for all businesses to comply with these regulations, especially if they promise to offer video chat APIs.

5. Support Beyond Platforms

Video APIs can be complex, difficult to understand, and confusing. So, if an expert's advice or help while integrating video APIs to apps is there, then it would make a huge difference in accelerating the development process every step of the way.

Key Takeaways!

Hopefully! You got an idea of how important an API is and what features to consider before opting for the best video calling API. 

Authentication is very important for any product you choose, just make sure you get this benefit not compromised in your choice of API.