Making a video call is easier than ever thanks to the wide variety of apps and services available. With just a few taps, you can connect face-to-face with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about making video calls.
What equipment do you need to make a video call?
The basic equipment you need includes:
- A device with a camera – This can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. As long as your device has a camera, microphone, and speaker, you can make a video call.
- A stable internet connection – To maintain a smooth video connection, you’ll need a minimum internet speed of at least 1 Mbps. However, speeds of at least 4 Mbps are recommended for HD quality video.
- Video calling software – This can be a dedicated app like Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp. Many chat apps and social media platforms also support video calling capabilities.
Optional extras can enhance your video calls. For example, you may want to use a headset with an external mic for optimal sound quality. Proper lighting and an interesting background also make for better video footage.
What are the different types of video calling apps and services?
There are many options when it comes to software for video calls. Here are some of the top choices:
- Skype – One of the most popular apps for video calls, voice calls, and instant messaging. Skype works across mobile and desktop devices.
- FaceTime – Apple’s proprietary video chatting app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. It provides high-quality encrypted video calls.
- WhatsApp – The chat app owned by Meta with over 2 billion users globally. WhatsApp’s video call feature works between both individual users and groups.
- Facebook Messenger – Meta’s instant messaging platform also allows free video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Zoom – The web conferencing app that became hugely popular during the pandemic as a means for remote work meetings.
- Google Duo – A user-friendly app by Google for high-quality video calls between compatible Android and iOS devices.
- Snapchat – The popular social media app supports 1-on-1 video chatting between Snapchat friends.
Many other apps like Viber, LINE, Telegram, and Instagram also offer video calling capabilities. When selecting an app, consider factors like quality, security, cost, number of participants allowed on a call, and compatibility across different devices.
How do you make a video call on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has made video calling easier than ever thanks to an intuitive interface across both iOS and Android devices. Follow these simple steps to make a video call on WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app and select the ‘Calls’ tab.
- Tap on the contact you want to video call. If they have video calling enabled, you will see the video call icon.
- Tap the video call icon to instantly connect face-to-face.
- The video call will start ringing on the recipient’s phone. When they accept the call, you will be able to see and hear each other.
- Tap the red ‘End call’ button when you want to disconnect the video call.
WhatsApp allows video calls with up to 8 participants. You can add multiple contacts to an ongoing one-on-one video call to turn it into a group video call.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Data usage | WhatsApp video calls use your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Video calls consume on average ~0.5-1.5 MB per minute per participant. |
| Call quality | Video quality is dependent on your device, network connection speed, and other factors. Expect anywhere between 720p to 1080p HD video on fast 4G or WiFi networks. |
| Security | WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption for your calls to keep conversations private. |
How to make a FaceTime video call on iPhone
FaceTime is Apple’s proprietary video calling app built into iOS devices and Mac computers. Making a FaceTime video call is quick and convenient, especially when contacting other Apple users. Here is how to FaceTime on an iPhone:
- Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone.
- Enter the phone number or Apple ID email of the person you want to FaceTime. You can also select a contact directly from your contacts list.
- Tap the video camera icon to initiate a video FaceTime call (rather than just an audio call).
- The recipient will see an incoming call notification. When they accept, the video call will connect.
- Interact naturally face-to-face until you or the recipient taps ‘End’ to finish the call.
FaceTime allows video calls with up to 32 people. You can merge an existing one-on-one FaceTime into a group call by tapping the ‘+’ icon and selecting another contact to add.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless connectivity between Apple devices | Only works with Apple devices |
| HD quality video | Can only add up to 32 participants |
| End-to-end encryption | Uses mobile data or WiFi |
How to use Skype for video calls
Skype by Microsoft is one of the most versatile apps for cross-platform video calls. Here is how to use Skype for video calls:
- Download and install the Skype app on your device or visit www.skype.com.
- Sign in using your Microsoft or Skype account credentials.
- Find the contact you want to call in your contacts list or by searching their Skype username or phone number.
- Click the camera icon next to the contact to start a video call. You can also click the phone receiver icon for a voice-only call.
- The recipient will receive an incoming call notification. Once they accept, your video call will connect.
- Interact with your video call like a normal face-to-face conversation. Click the red handset to end the call when finished.
Skype allows up to 50 participants on a group video call, making it great for team meetings and conferences. Premium Skype accounts gain access to features like call recording, virtual backgrounds, and live captions.
| Platforms Supported | Max Participants |
|---|---|
| Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web | 50 |
Tips for better quality video calls
Follow these tips to improve your video call quality and experience:
Check your internet connection speed
Faster internet bandwidth results in higher video resolution on calls. Shoot for at least 4 Mbps download and upload speeds if possible.
Position your camera at eye level
Place your laptop or phone camera at eye level rather than low angles to create more direct eye contact during calls.
Reduce background noise
Turn off any music, TVs, or noisy appliances so your voice comes through clearly without disruption.
Adjust your lighting
Position a lamp or sit facing a window to illuminate your face naturally. Avoid having a bright light source behind you.
Use a headset instead of speakers
A good headset improves both the sound quality of calls and reduces echo and background noise.
Close other apps and tabs
Prevent internet bandwidth issues by closing out of any other programs using data in the background.
Conclusion
Video calling has never been more convenient thanks to the plethora of apps and software options available today. Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops now come equipped with cameras capable of crisp high-definition video chats. Choosing the right video calling platform depends on your needs – Skype offers excellent cross-platform capabilities for both one-on-one and group calls, FaceTime provides seamless Apple-exclusive connectivity, while WhatsApp is convenient for quick mobile video calls.
Optimizing factors like your internet connection, camera placement, lighting, and audio can significantly enhance the quality of your video call experience. With technologies like live transcription, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds coming to video platforms, calls are becoming even more feature-rich and engaging. As video calling continues to advance, expect the technology to emulate in-person conversations and interactions more closely than ever.