Is BigBlueButton still a thing in 2025?

Nowadays, in the online education and virtual collaboration space, many platforms rise to prominence and either manage to stay relevant until today or fade away with surprising speed. One such platform, BigBlueButton, gained significant attention, especially during the pandemic-driven shift to online learning. But as we venture into 2025, many are asking: is BigBlueButton still relevant, or has it been eclipsed by newer competitors?

The Rise of BigBlueButton

BigBlueButton was launched with a focus on enabling online learning. Its open-source foundation allowed institutions to host their own servers, providing a level of control over privacy and customization that commercial platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams couldn’t always offer. Features such as breakout rooms, whiteboards, live polling, and an integration-friendly API made it a favorite among educators looking for a tailored learning environment.

During the height of the pandemic, BigBlueButton saw widespread adoption as schools and universities scrambled to implement virtual classrooms and video conferencing systems. Its integration with popular learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle and Canvas cemented its place as a reliable tool for educators.

BigBlueButton's Challenges

While BigBlueButton had its strengths, it also faced notable challenges:

• ‍‍‍Required Technical Expertise: BigBlueButton generally requires more technical know-how to set up and maintain. Hosting your own server, though beneficial for control, was a complex barrier for institutions lacking technical expertise.‍
• User Experience: Competing platforms heavily invested in improving user interfaces and mobile experiences, making them more intuitive and appealing to users who valued simplicity over customization.‍
• Competition: The market for virtual collaboration tools grew crowded. Players like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet expanded their offerings for education, leaving less room for niche platforms.

BigBlueButton In 2025

Despite these challenges, BigBlueButton still remains a “thing” in 2025, even if in a more specialized niche. Here’s why:

• ‍Focus on Education: BigBlueButton has maintained a sharp focus on the needs of both educators and students. Recent updates have included a grid layout, a reactions bar, camera as content and more improved accessibility features to monitor engagement and support hybrid learning environments.‍
• Open-Source Advantage: As concerns over data privacy continue to grow, open-source platforms like BigBlueButton have become increasingly attractive. Institutions with the resources to manage their own servers appreciate the transparency and security that open-source solutions provide.‍
• Integration and Customization: Many LMS platforms, like Moodle, still favor BigBlueButton for its seamless integration and adaptability. With its simple API, it also provides an easy interface for developers to manage their meetings.‍
• Low Entry Threshold: As it is open-source software and free to use, you can quickly sign up for a BigBlueButton demo and benefit from its web conferencing features.

The Road Ahead for BigBlueButton

While BigBlueButton may no longer be the go-to platform for every institution, it has carved out a sustainable niche. For educators that value customization, privacy, and tools tailored specifically to teaching and learning, BigBlueButton will continue to have a place in the edtech ecosystem.

Looking forward, BigBlueButton’s ability to adapt to emerging trends like AI and immersive learning experiences will determine its relevance. The platform’s open-source foundation gives it the flexibility to evolve in ways that other big-name competitors may find difficult.

So, is BigBlueButton still a thing in 2025? Absolutely – but it’s no longer trying to compete head-to-head with giants like Zoom. Instead, it’s focusing on what it does best: empowering educators with a customizable, privacy-focused platform for online learning. For those who value these attributes, BigBlueButton remains a vital tool in the virtual education arsenal.

Wondering if BigBlueButton or another online classroom software is ideal for you? Feel free to contact us for a consultation!

‍