WhatsApp recently introduced a new video calling feature that allows users to make video calls through the app. This new functionality provides an easy and convenient way for WhatsApp users to connect face-to-face through video chat.
When was the video calling feature introduced?
The video calling feature on WhatsApp was introduced in late 2016. It was rolled out to all WhatsApp users on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone platforms in November 2016 after months of beta testing and development.
How does WhatsApp’s video calling work?
WhatsApp’s video calling uses your phone’s internet connection to make and receive video calls. As long as both you and the person you are calling have a good internet connection, the video quality can be very high. The video calls are end-to-end encrypted, just like WhatsApp texts and voice calls.
Which devices support WhatsApp video calling?
Currently, WhatsApp video calling is supported on the following devices and platforms:
- Android running OS 4.1+
- iPhone running iOS 10+
- Windows Phone running Windows 10+
- Selected Nokia S40 phones (third-party WhatsApp client needed)
As long as your device meets the minimum operating system requirements, you should be able to use WhatsApp video calling.
How to make a WhatsApp video call
Making a WhatsApp video call is very similar to making a normal phone call on WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app and select the Chats tab
- Tap the contact you want to video call
- Tap the video icon in the top right corner
- The caller and receiver will see preview screens while connecting
- Once connected, the video call will begin
Both the caller and receiver need to have video calling enabled on WhatsApp for it to work. If only one person has it enabled, regular voice calling will be used instead.
Features of WhatsApp video calls
WhatsApp has included some great features in their video call implementation:
- High quality video – Video calls use your phone’s camera to provide high quality video up to 720p HD.
- Group video calls – You can make video calls to groups of up to 4 people.
- Cross-platform – Video calls work seamlessly between iOS and Android.
- Switch from voice to video – You can upgrade a WhatsApp voice call to video with just a tap.
- End-to-end encryption – WhatsApp video calls have the same security and privacy as chats.
Requirements for WhatsApp video calls
To make WhatsApp video calls, you need the following:
- A smartphone running iOS 10+ or Android 4.1+
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed
- A good internet connection – WiFi or mobile data
- Your phone number verified with WhatsApp
- The caller and receiver must both have video calling enabled
As long as both parties meet these requirements, WhatsApp video calling should work seamlessly.
Tips for better WhatsApp video calls
Here are some tips to improve your video calling experience on WhatsApp:
- Use WhatsApp’s built-in data saver option to limit data usage on mobile networks.
- Connect to a stable WiFi network whenever possible for the best video quality.
- Make sure you have good lighting so the other person can see you clearly.
- Hold the phone at eye level rather than low down for a more natural angle.
- Use headphones with a microphone for clearer audio.
- Switch to a voice call if you or the other person have connectivity issues.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp video call issues
If you are having issues making WhatsApp video calls, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm both parties have the latest WhatsApp version installed.
- Check that video calling is enabled in WhatsApp settings.
- Ensure your internet connection is strong enough for a video call.
- Restart your phone and try making the video call again.
- Update your device software to rule out OS bugs.
- Disable VPN or firewall apps that may interfere with WhatsApp.
- Clear cached data and force close WhatsApp before trying again.
How WhatsApp video calling compares to FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple’s proprietary video calling platform for iPhone and Mac users. How does WhatsApp video calling compare to FaceTime feature-wise?
| FaceTime | ||
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows Phone | iOS, MacOS |
| Number of participants | 4 | 32 |
| Video quality | Up to 720p HD | Up to 1080p HD |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | No |
| Cross-platform | Yes | No |
| WiFi/Data | Both | WiFi only |
In summary, WhatsApp video calling provides a cross-platform, encrypted video chat solution for up to 4 people. FaceTime offers higher quality video and supports more participants, but only works on Apple devices.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new video calling feature provides an easy way for people to connect face-to-face. It works reliably across iOS and Android, supports useful features like group calls and encryption, and integrates seamlessly with WhatsApp’s popular messaging platform.
While FaceTime may offer some advantages like higher video quality, WhatsApp’s cross-platform nature makes it accessible to vastly more people. As WhatsApp continues improving video call performance and quality over time, it has the potential to become the default way billions of people around the world make video calls.