MoQ stands for Media over QUIC.
MoQ is a new IETF protocol under development that is designed to deliver real-time media (audio/video) over QUIC. It aims to create a modern transport for live media streaming that leverages QUIC’s unique characteristics.
How MoQ relates to WebRTC
MoQ is positioned as a potential successor or complement to WebRTC for certain use cases, particularly live streaming and broadcast:
- No head-of-line blocking: Unlike TCP-based streaming protocols, QUIC (and thus MoQ) avoids head-of-line blocking across streams
- Multiple streams: Can handle multiple media streams simultaneously over a single connection
- Server-native: MoQ is designed for client-server communication, unlike WebRTC’s peer-to-peer origins
- Relay architecture: Supports publish-subscribe patterns with relays, similar to how SFUs work with WHIP/WHEP
Current status
MoQ is still in early development at the IETF. While it shows promise for live streaming, it is unlikely to replace WebRTC for interactive communication (video calls, meetings) in the near term, as WebRTC’s peer-to-peer capabilities and browser integration are well-established.
