Do webinars still work in 2026?
Yes. Webinars remain one of the most effective B2B channels in 2026 — around 85% of marketing teams use them, 89% of marketers say webinars outperformed other channels for qualified leads, and the average cost per lead (~$72) undercuts search marketing. What's changed is format: automated and on-demand webinars now drive much of the value. (Sources dated 2026.)
The data says yes
Adoption and results are both strong: roughly 85% of marketing teams use webinars (TwentyThree, via Zoom, 2026), 89% of marketers say webinars outperformed other channels for qualified leads, and 78% say webinars lowered their cost per lead (Statista, via Cvent, 2026). See the full picture in our webinar statistics.
What's changed: on-demand and automation
The shift isn't away from webinars — it's toward on-demand and evergreen formats. A large share of views now happen after the live event, so tools that run a recording on autopilot capture demand a one-off live event misses. The catch is engagement: on-demand converts worse than live unless attendees can still get answers.
Why some webinars don't work anymore
The webinars that feel tired are the ones that fake it — simulated chat and fake attendee counters that erode trust the moment they're noticed. The ones that work pair convenience with honesty: real AI chat that answers attendees on an automated session. That's the approach behind Presentr — compare tools in our best webinar software guide.
Related questions
See Presentr in action
Build your first evergreen webinar in under 10 minutes.
Start your free trial →