Technology
WebRTC
WebRTC is an open standard for real-time audio, video and data directly between browsers and apps. I used it to connect two players in an iOS fighting game, and it carries real-time voice and video in AI interfaces
- Type
- Technology
- Official site
- webrtc.org
- In my work
- Services 3
- Published
Where I use it
From idea to a working MVP
MVP development for startups: scope, UX, design, frontend, backend, AI and launch, by one senior engineer who has been a founder and a CTO
ServicesA fractional CTO for your startup
Fractional CTO for startups: architecture, team, code review and delivery, from a CTO who also builds. Hours a week, part-time or full-time
ServicesAI agents and LLM apps that work in production
AI agent and LLM development: agents, chatbots on your data, AI features, voice and video pipelines built into a working product, not a demo
What is WebRTC and when do I use it?
When two devices need to talk with the lowest possible delay, a server in the middle is in the way. WebRTC connects them directly, and a server only helps them find each other
Key facts
How I use WebRTC
- YapSlap. An iOS fighting game controlled by facial expressions. Two players connect over WebRTC, so every move reaches the other phone without a detour through a game server.
- Real-time AI interfaces. Voice and video that react while the user is still speaking. See AI development.
- Prototypes that need a call inside. Video and audio between users as one feature of a product, not a separate app. See MVP development.
When I choose WebRTC and its limits
WebRTC is the right choice for calls, live video, screen sharing and fast data between two or a few devices. The delay is lower than through any server.
It is more work than it looks. Devices need a signalling server to find each other and a relay server for networks that block direct connections, and large group calls need a media server. For many players and one shared game state, a server with Socket.IO is simpler and fairer.
Used together with
Sources
- WebRTC API — MDN Web Docs ·
- WebRTC — WebRTC project ·
