- About Adobe Connect Events
- Setup Adobe Connect Events
- Create and manage Adobe Connect Events
- Attend Adobe Connect Events
- Event analytics for webinars
- Simulated Live webinars
Learn to set up and run Simulated Live webinars in Adobe Connect, including layouts, MP4 uploads, playback controls, and captions.
A Simulated Live webinar in Adobe Connect combines pre-recorded MP4 video with live interactive elements such as Chat, Camera, Q&A, Polls and Resources pod. In a Simulated Live webinar room, pre-set layouts organize the attendee experience from start to finish. Each layout can progress automatically or be controlled manually by the host. The three main layouts are:
- Lobby layout: Waiting area before the session starts.
- Playback layout: Displays the pre-recorded webinar content.
- Outro layout: Wraps up the session with final messaging or next steps.
Manage room availability before the session
Complete your room setup, including layouts, pods, and video content, at least two hours before the scheduled webinar start time. At that point, the room enters a lockout period to ensure the webinar experience remains consistent for attendees.
During the lockout period, hosts can still launch the room in Backstage to test the setup and familiarize themselves with the webinar flow. However, they cannot modify content, update video configurations, or make layout changes.
Before the room is locked, ensure that you:
- Add a Camera pod for presenters to use during paused playback.
- Finalize all Playback layouts, engagement pods, and video configurations.
- Verify that the room setup is complete, as no content or layout changes can be made after the room is locked.
The following topics are covered in this article:
Lobby layout
The Lobby layout is the first screen participants see when they join a Simulated Live webinar. It sets the stage and creates a welcoming environment before the webinar officially begins. This layout becomes visible fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled start time, allowing attendees to settle in and prepare for the session ahead.
Key features
- Customizable experience: Add interactive elements such as Notes, Countdown Timer, or a welcome message to engage attendees and reflect your brand.
- Pre-session engagement: Prepare participants for what’s ahead and build excitement for the session.
- Live feel: The Lobby layout remains active until playback begins, simulating a real-world waiting area.
The lobby layout opens fifteen minutes before the event, allowing participants to join in advance. This setting is locked and cannot be changed manually.
Playback layout
The Playback layout is the core of the Simulated Live experience. It presents your pre-recorded webinar in a professional, broadcast-style format. The Playback pod is fixed to the Playback layout but can be resized and positioned to fit your preferred layout design.
Add MP4 Videos to the Playback pod
Use the Playback pod to upload the MP4 video that will be played during the webinar. You can replace the uploaded video at any time without recreating your existing Playback layouts or engagement pods.
If you replace an existing video with a shorter one, update the timestamps in your Playback layouts to ensure they align with the new video duration.
Follow these steps to add MP4 videos:
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Navigate to the Playback layout in the Layouts panel.
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From Playback pod, select Change video. A pop-up window of Upload Video appears.
Select Change video to upload the MP4 video in the Playback pod. Select Change video to upload the MP4 video in the Playback pod. -
Select Browse and then upload the MP4 video.
Upload video pop-up window to upload the MP4 video Upload video pop-up window to upload the MP4 video -
Select Done.
You can split your video into different layouts to make your content more engaging. For example, start with a full-screen video, then switch to a layout that includes interactive features like Polls or Q&A pods next to your video.
Split playback for engagement activities
You can split your video into several playback layouts to add specific elements at certain points during the session.
To insert a new layout during playback:
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From the Playback pod, play the uploaded video.
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Pause the video and then select Split layout.
Select Split layout while the video is paused to create a new Playback layout at that timestamp. Select Split layout while the video is paused to create a new Playback layout at that timestamp.
A new playback layout will be created. In this layout, you can resize the playback pod to insert or rearrange interactive pods such as Polls or Share.
Technical specifications
Input specifications for MP4 video
|
Parameter |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Input resolution |
Supports any input resolution, provided the file size remains within the upload limits. |
|
Input file codecs |
Accepts any video codec that is compatible with modern web browsers. |
|
Supported video format |
Only .mp4 files are supported for upload and playback. |
Output specifications for Simulated Live webinar
|
Parameter |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Output resolution |
Capped at a maximum of 4K resolution, 30 frames per second (FPS), and a bit rate of 15 Mbps. |
|
Playback output codec |
AVC (H.264) codec |
|
Playback latency |
Approximately 10 seconds during playback. |
Host audio and video during playback
During active playback, host and presenter microphones and cameras are unavailable to keep the focus on the pre-recorded content. During live playback, hosts and presenters see the camera option in the top bar menu only if the Camera pod is added before the webinar.
Camera pod must be added to the Playback layout before the room is locked. Camera availability cannot be configured during a live webinar.
Add a Camera pod to the Playback layout
When playback is paused on a layout that contains a Camera pod, hosts and presenters can turn on their camera using the camera option in the room's top bar. Participants can see the live camera feed while playback remains paused.
To add Camera pod in a Playback layout:
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Navigate to the Playback layout.
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Pause the video at the point where you want to allow live interaction.
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Select Split layout.
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Select Pods > Camera pod.
Add a Camera pod to a Playback layout to enable live presenter video during paused segments. Add a Camera pod to a Playback layout to enable live presenter video during paused segments.
Automatically record a simulated live webinar
You can configure Playback layout to automatically record that part of session. When automatic recording is enabled, recording starts at the scheduled event start time and captures the complete attendee experience, including the Intro, Playback, and Outro layouts.
Automatic recording must be enabled before the scheduled event start time. After the webinar begins, recording settings cannot be modified for the current session.
To enable automatic recording:
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Navigate to the Playback controls panel.
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Select Record this simulated live session. The recording will be initiated automatically at the scheduled start time.
Use this option to enable automatic recording during the session Use this option to enable automatic recording during the session
Outro layout
The Outro layout is the final stage in a Simulated Live webinar and appears automatically after the video playback ends. It acts as a closing screen, giving hosts and presenters a structured space to wrap up the session professionally. This layout helps create a polished, branded conclusion to your webinar and allows presenters to extend interaction with attendees even after the main content has ended.
Best practices for Outro layout
- Display final messages or key takeaways to reinforce the session’s main points.
- Share follow-up resources and contact information for continued learning or support.
- Include a post-session survey or feedback form to gather insights for future sessions.
- Provide clear next steps so attendees know how to stay engaged or take action.
View Adobe Connect Central homepage for more information.
Modes in Simulated Live webinars
Adobe Connect supports the webinars in two distinct modes: Preview and Live. Each mode is designed to support different phases of your webinar workflow.
Preview mode
Preview mode allows hosts and presenters to test and rehearse from Backstage before the session starts. It mirrors the live session, helping them verify everything is set up correctly before attendees arrive.
In Preview mode, you can:
- Navigate through the full layout sequence, Lobby, Playback, and Outro, to simulate the webinar journey.
- Verify the placement and behavior of pods, including Notes, Polls, Q&A, and Camera pods configured for live interaction.
- Confirm media configurations, camera-enabled Playback layouts, and layout transitions before going live.
- Verify that automatic recording is configured correctly and will start recording the webinar at the scheduled event start time.
- Interact with pods to simulate attendee engagement and assess flow.
- Use the Playback Control in Backstage to test MP4 playback.
- Identify any setup issues early and make final adjustments before the room locks.
- Monitor placeholder metrics in the Engagement Dashboard.
Live Mode
Live Mode activates automatically at the scheduled session time and runs according to the configured webinar timeline. Hosts can choose between the following playbacks:
- Automatic playback start
- Manual playback start
By default, playback begins automatically based on the delay in Lobby layout during the design phase. If additional preparation time is required, hosts can disable automatic playback and manually start the playback when ready.
After automatic playback is disabled, it cannot be re-enabled after the scheduled start time.
To disable Automatic playback start:
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Navigate to the Lobby layout.
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Disable Play start automatically [scheduled time]. A pop-up window appears.
Disable Playback begins automatically to manually control when the Simulated Live webinar playback begins. Disable Playback begins automatically to manually control when the Simulated Live webinar playback begins. -
Select Disable.
The webinar remains in the Lobby layout until you manually start playback.
Select Disable in the confirmation dialog box to confirm disabling automatic playback. Select Disable in the confirmation dialog box to confirm disabling automatic playback. -
Select Start Playback Now to begin playback.
Manage the live webinar experience
On the day of your webinar, participants can start joining the room fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. The system automatically manages the following sequence:
- The layout automatically transitions from Lobby to Playback, and the uploaded MP4 video begins streaming without manual input.
- If multiple Playback layouts are created using the split layout, they render in sequence based on the playback timeline.
- Interactive pods such as Q&A, Chat, or Polls remain active and visible to participants during the session.
- During paused playback, hosts and presenters can interact with participants using their microphone.
- Hosts and presenters can share their camera feed with participants if a Camera pod is added during the design phase.
- Closed captions are available during playback and can be enabled or disabled by participants at any time during the webinar.
- If automatic recording is enabled, Adobe Connect begins recording at the scheduled start time and captures the complete attendee experience.
- Once the playback ends, the session automatically moves to the Outro layout for wrap-up messaging or final interactions.
You can run Simulated Live webinars in a fully automated mode. To enable this, preconfigure Delay the webinar start settings in the Lobby layout and Extend room closure settings in the Outro layout during setup. This ensures the session flows seamlessly from start to finish without requiring real-time host or presenter intervention.
Configure advanced timing controls
Delay the webinar start
Adobe Connect allows you to delay the start of your Simulated Live webinar by up to five minutes. This allows hosts to make last-minute adjustments or handle late arrivals without disrupting attendees.
Do one of the following:
Method 1: Layout panel
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From the Layouts panel, select Lobby layout.
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Select the End time dropdown and choose a timestamp of up to +5 minutes.
Select a delay of up to five minutes from the Event start time dropdown to postpone the webinar start. Select a delay of up to five minutes from the Event start time dropdown to postpone the webinar start. -
Select Update to apply the changes.
Method 2: Top bar in the room
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Select the Event start time dropdown in the top bar menu.
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Choose your required delay time by up to +5 minutes.
Use the Event start time dropdown in the top bar to delay the webinar start by up to five minutes. Use the Event start time dropdown in the top bar to delay the webinar start by up to five minutes.
Extend the room closure
You can delay the room's closing by up to five minutes after the video ends. This gives the attendees additional time to review content, ask final questions, or access shared resources without abruptly ending the session.
Do one of the following to configure this setting:
Method 1: Layout panel
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Select Outro layout from the Layouts panel in the webinar room.
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Select one of the following:
- Manually: Ends the session at the scheduled end time.
- +1 to +5 minutes: Ends the session automatically after the scheduled time, based on the selected delay.
Select a delay option from the Outro layout settings to extend the session after playback ends. Select a delay option from the Outro layout settings to extend the session after playback ends. -
Select Update to apply changes.
Method 2: Top bar in the room
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Select the Room closes dropdown from the top bar menu.
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Select one of the following:
- Manually: Ends the session at the scheduled time.
- Automatically After: Ends the session automatically after the video playback finishes, based on the delay you select, which can be up to five minutes.
Use the Room closes dropdown to automatically end the session up to five minutes after playback finishes. Use the Room closes dropdown to automatically end the session up to five minutes after playback finishes.
A Simulated Live room is a dedicated webinar room in Adobe Connect that combines pre-recorded video content with live interactive elements. It creates an experience that feels live while offering the consistency and reliability of pre-recorded content.
Simulated Live sessions do not natively integrate with Broadcast Control. During Playback, no mic permissions are granted to any participant.
If playback is paused, Broadcast Control behaves like a regular webinar, allowing internal team discussions or announcements based on mic settings.
Yes, interactive pods like Q&A and Chat remain active throughout the session, allowing for real-time audience interaction even during video playback.
No. During active video playback, layout transitions are automatically managed based on pre-configured entry times. Hosts can only intervene by pausing playback or jumping directly to the Outro layout
Not at this time. The room is limited to three layouts: Intro, Playback, and Outro. If you have a specific use case, share it with the product team for future consideration
You can create your video using any preferred tool and upload an edited MP4 file. Alternatively, you can download and edit a recording from a past live session, then use that as your pre-recorded content.
Yes. A Simulated Live room can be reused by updating the MP4 video, adjusting the layout content, and rescheduling the session
Adobe Connect does not indicate whether a session is pre-recorded. You can choose to mention this explicitly or let the experience feel fully live through interactivity.
Yes. By default, playback begins automatically at the scheduled start time. If you need additional preparation time during the Lobby phase, you can disable automatic playback from the Playback Controls panel and manually start the webinar using Start playback now.
Yes. Hosts and presenters can share their camera during a paused playback segment if the active Playback layout contains a Camera pod.
Yes. You can enable automatic recording from the Playback Controls panel before the webinar begins.
Yes. Adobe Connect automatically generates captions for videos uploaded to the Playback pod using the caption language configured in Room Preferences. Participants can enable or disable captions at any time during the webinar.
