BigBlueButton

Self-Hosted

Open-source video conferencing optimized for online learning and collaboration

Overview

BigBlueButton is an open-source video conferencing platform tailored for educational use and collaborative meetings. It includes interactive tools like virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, screen sharing, real-time chat, and session recording. Designed to integrate seamlessly with LMS platforms (Moodle, Canvas), it supports self-hosting via official Ubuntu scripts or Docker containers. The platform prioritizes low latency and high-quality audio/video, making it ideal for classrooms, webinars, and small to medium-sized groups.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  bigbluebutton:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: bigbluebutton
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Interactive virtual whiteboard with annotation tools
Breakout rooms for small-group collaboration
Session recording & playback with editable transcripts
Seamless LMS integration (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard)
Real-time chat and polling for engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is BigBlueButton hard to install?

Basic installation is manageable for users with Linux server experience via official Ubuntu scripts or Docker. It requires network setup (port forwarding, SSL) and familiarity with system administration, but community documentation and guides simplify the process.

? Is it a good alternative to Zoom for education?

Yes—BigBlueButton is purpose-built for education, offering tools like whiteboards, breakout rooms, and LMS integration that Zoom charges extra for. It also gives full data control via self-hosting, which is critical for educational institutions prioritizing privacy.

? Is BigBlueButton completely free?

The core software is 100% free and open-source (GPLv3 license). There are no licensing fees, but managed hosting services (third-party) may charge for setup or maintenance. Self-hosting costs depend on your server infrastructure.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Video Conferencing

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
⊕ No recurring subscription fees
⊕ Optimized for educational workflows
⊕ Open-source for custom modifications

Cons

⊖ Requires technical server setup (Linux expertise)
⊖ Scaling for large audiences needs advanced configuration
⊖ Fewer third-party app integrations than proprietary tools