Instant Sessions allow Organizers to create a Playback session immediately using a predefined stream configuration, without going through the standard scheduling workflow. This is ideal when a session needs to start quickly and common technical settings are already known.

Instant Sessions are available to Playback subscribers only and are created directly from the Dashboard.

What Is an Instant Session?

An Instant Session is a streaming session that is created on demand and becomes available immediately. Unlike scheduled sessions, Instant Sessions:

• Do not require selecting a date or start time
• Use a previously saved Stream Settings preset
• Bypass the “Edit Session Details 1 of 2: Schedule” flow during creation
• Are ready to start as soon as they are created

Instant Sessions are commonly used for:

• Last-minute review sessions
• Ad-hoc creative check-ins
• Rapid collaboration when timing is flexible but settings are consistent

Creating an Instant Session

To create an Instant Session:

1. Open Playback Desktop
2. Navigate to the Dashboard
3. Click + New Session
4. Select Instant Session
5. Choose a saved Stream Settings preset

The session is created immediately and appears in the Dashboard.

Important: Instant Sessions rely on presets that were previously saved from the Edit Session Details 2 of 2: Stream Settings window. If no presets exist, an Instant Session cannot be created.

Default Behavior of Instant Sessions

Instant Sessions apply the following defaults to simplify and accelerate session creation:

• Passwordless access is enabled by default, allowing invited participants to join without logging in
• Email notifications are enabled automatically when Guests are added from Studio view
• No scheduled date or duration is required at creation time

These defaults can be adjusted after the session is created by opening the session’s Schedule settings from the Dashboard.

Starting an Instant Session

Creating an Instant Session does not automatically start the session.

After the session appears in the Dashboard:

1. Click Start on the session
2. Complete the Pre-Session Network Test
3. Configure Call and Stream Preferences
4. Enter Studio view
5. Click Start Stream to begin streaming audio and video

Guests are not able to join or request access until the session has been started by the Organizer.

Editing an Instant Session After Creation

Once an Instant Session has been created, Organizers can still:

• Review or modify Schedule details
• Add or remove Guests
• Adjust Stream Settings
• Enable or disable passwordless access
• Change notification settings

These changes are accessed from the Dashboard using the same Session Details windows as scheduled sessions.

Instant Sessions vs Scheduled Sessions

Instant Sessions and scheduled sessions use the same underlying session architecture, but differ in how they are created.

Instant Sessions:

• Created immediately
• Require a saved preset
• Best for quick or unplanned sessions

Scheduled Sessions:

• Created with a defined date and time
• Do not require presets
• Best for planned reviews and sessions with advance notice

Both session types support the same collaboration tools once active, including chat, video conferencing, on-screen annotations, and timecoded markers (Desktop-only).

When to Use an Instant Session

Use an Instant Session when:

• You need to start a session quickly
• You already have a reliable stream configuration saved
• Scheduling details are not critical
• You want minimal setup before going live

For sessions that require advance invitations, reminders, or detailed scheduling, a scheduled session may be more appropriate.