In today’s world, staying connected with friends, family and colleagues can be done with the mere click of a button. Thanks to video calling technology, one can interact with loved ones and business associates from any corner of the world. With the pandemic changing the way we work and live, video calls have become an essential means of communication. If you’re new to the world of video calling, don’t worry. Here are a few simple steps that will help you navigate through the process and make sure your next video call is a success.

First, you’ll need a device with a camera and microphone such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Make sure the device’s camera is functional before starting the call. Next, you’ll need to choose an appropriate video calling app. There are several apps such as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Google Meet, Facetime, and many others that you can use to make video calls. Familiarize yourself with the app’s settings, features, and user interface before making your first call. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on making a video call and share tips to make your next video call go smoothly in a relaxed and easy-to-understand way.

Making video calls has become an essential part of our lives, especially in today’s digitally connected world. In just a few clicks, you can now converse with your loved ones, colleagues, or clients located anywhere in the world. But if you’re new to video calling, don’t worry! This article will guide you through the process of how to make a video call effortlessly. In this section, we’ll explore everything from choosing the right device to connecting with your loved ones or colleagues. So, let’s dive in!

What do you need to make a video call?

Before we get started, let’s go over the items you need to make a video call. Firstly, you will need a device that supports video calling, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Secondly, you will need a reliable internet connection, ideally high-speed. Plus, it would help if you had a webcam or integrated camera in your device and a microphone or microphone array to capture your audio. Lastly, you’ll need a video calling app or software that supports video calls.

Popular video calling apps

There are countless video calling apps available, but some of the most popular ones include Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Most of these programs are free to use, but others, like Zoom, offer paid packages with added features. Choosing the right app depends on your requirements, such as the number of users allowed in a call and the video quality.

How to make a video call on your smartphone

Making a video call on your smartphone is easier than you might think. You can either use the video calling feature integrated into your phone’s default calling app or download a video calling app such as WhatsApp. If you’re using the default app, simply open up the contact you want to call, and if they are available for a video call, you’ll see the video calling icon — tap on it, and you’re good to go.

How to make a video call on your laptop or desktop

Making a video call on your laptop or desktop computer follows the same principles as making a call on your smartphone. If your device has a built-in camera and microphone, you can use the integrated video calling app such as Skype or Zoom. Alternatively, you can download and install third-party video calling apps and start connecting with your friends, family, or colleagues.

How to invite someone to a video call

Inviting someone to a video call is simple. Firstly, ensure that you both have the same video calling app installed on your devices. Secondly, notify the person that you want to have a video call with them by sending them a message or email with a link or schedule a time to connect with them. Lastly, call them via the video calling app by selecting their contact or clicking on the link if they’ve shared one.

How to use video calling with a group

If you need to hold a meeting or conference with multiple people, you can use video calling with a group. Apps such as Zoom and Google Meet provide group video calling, allowing you to connect with up to 100 people at the same time. Similar to inviting someone to a video call, you need to notify them of the session and send them an invitation. Then, they can join the call using the link provided.

Video call tips for successful communication

Video calling can be a little daunting, especially if you’re new to it. Here are some tips to ensure your video call runs smoothly:

  • Ensure you are in a quiet environment with no background noise or distraction.
  • Check your internet connection before the call to avoid buffering or dropouts.
  • Test your microphone and camera so that your audio and video are crystal clear.
  • Dress appropriately and be mindful of what’s in your background. Ensure it is professional and clean.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a video call is a simple process that requires minimal effort. All you need is a device that supports video calling, a reliable internet connection, and a video calling app. Whether you’re communicating with your loved ones or holding a conference with business colleagues, video calling has fast become an essential tool of modern communication. So, why not try it out today?

Choosing the Right Video Calling App

In today’s digital world, there are a plethora of video calling apps available in the market, and it can be a daunting task to pick the right one for your needs. Each app has its own set of features, limitations, and nuances. In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular video calling apps and help you choose the right app based on your requirements.

Skype

Skype is one of the oldest and most popular video calling apps, primarily used for long-distance calls. It is available on various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The highlight of Skype is its reliability and ease of use, making it a great choice for professional purposes. Skype also offers screen sharing, file sharing, and recording features, making it ideal for businesses.

Zoom

Zoom has quickly gained popularity in recent times, mainly due to the pandemic and remote work culture. It offers free and paid plans, and the free plan allows users to make calls up to 40 minutes. Zoom is known for its high-quality voice and video calls, making it a great choice for webinars and online meetings. Zoom also offers various features like screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds.

Google Meet

Google Meet is a video calling app developed by Google, primarily used for video conferencing. It is available for free, and users can access it via their Google account. Google Meet is integrated with other Google apps like Gmail and Google Calendar, making it a great choice for users who use these apps regularly. It offers features like screen sharing, recording, and automatic captioning.

Facetime

Facetime is a video calling app developed by Apple and is exclusively available for iOS and MacOS users. It is easy to use and offers high-quality video and voice calls. Facetime is a great choice for users who want to make video calls to other Apple users. It offers features like group calling and screen sharing.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is primarily a messaging app, but it also offers video and voice calling features. It is available on various platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows. WhatsApp is free to use and offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security. It offers features like group calling and screen sharing, making it a great choice for personal and professional use.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a messaging app developed by Facebook and offers video and voice calling features. It is available on various platforms like iOS and Android. The highlight of Facebook Messenger is its integration with Facebook, allowing users to easily connect with their Facebook friends. It offers features like group calling and screen sharing.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a video calling app primarily used for business purposes. It offers a wide range of features like video and voice calling, screen sharing, and file sharing. Microsoft Teams is integrated with other Microsoft apps, making it a great choice for users who use these apps regularly. It is available for free and paid plans.

Discord

Discord is primarily a messaging app, but it also offers video and voice calling features. It is available on various platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Discord is known for its low latency, making it a great choice for gaming and live streaming. It offers features like screen sharing, file sharing, and voice changers.

Signal

Signal is a messaging app that also offers video and voice calling features. It is free to use and offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security. Signal is available on various platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows. It offers features like group calling and screen sharing.

Houseparty

Houseparty is a video calling app primarily used for social purposes. It allows users to connect with their friends and have a virtual party with games and quizzes. Houseparty is available on various platforms like iOS, Android, and Chrome. It offers features like screen sharing, group calling, and games.

In conclusion, choosing the right video calling app depends on your requirements and preferences. We hope this section has helped you pick the right app based on your needs. Remember to look for features like reliability, ease of use, and privacy when selecting a video calling app.

Setting Up Video Call on Various Devices

Making video calls may differ for each device. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to set up video calls on various devices.

Desktop or Laptop

Setting up video calls on desktop or laptop is easy. You will need a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Here’s how you can set up video calls on a desktop/laptop:

  1. Open your preferred video calling app on your desktop or laptop.
  2. Log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free.
  3. Ensure that your camera and microphone are working. You can test your microphone and camera using the video settings.
  4. Once everything is working, start a video call by clicking on the video call icon. You can invite your contacts to join the call by sending a link via email or chat.
  5. During the video call, you can switch the camera, mute the microphone, and control the volume of your speakers.

Mobile Devices

Making video calls on mobile devices is more convenient because you can do it anywhere. Here’s how you can set up video calls on mobile devices:

  1. Download a video calling app on your mobile device. You can choose from various free video calling apps available on Google Play Store or Apple Store.
  2. Log in to your account or create a new account if you don’t have one yet.
  3. Ensure that your camera and microphone are working. You can test them using the video settings.
  4. Once everything is working, start a video call by tapping on the video call icon. You can invite your contacts to join the call by sending a link via email or chat.
  5. During the video call, you can switch the camera, mute the microphone, and control the volume of your speakers.

Smart TVs

Smart TVs are becoming more versatile these days, and you can use them to make video calls. Here’s how you can make video calls on smart TVs:

  1. Ensure that your smart TV has an inbuilt camera and a microphone. If your smart TV doesn’t have one, you can buy an external camera and microphone on Amazon or any other online store.
  2. Log in to a video calling app that is compatible with your smart TV. Popular video calling apps like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are available on smart TVs. You can download them from your smart TV’s app store.
  3. Ensure that your camera and microphone are working. You can test them using the video settings.
  4. Once everything is working, start a video call by clicking on the video call icon. You can invite your contacts to join the call by sending a link via email or chat.
  5. During the video call, you can switch the camera, mute the microphone, and control the volume of your speakers.

Gaming Consoles

You can also use gaming consoles to make video calls. Here’s how you can set up video calls on gaming consoles:

  1. Ensure that your gaming console is compatible with video calling apps like Skype or Zoom. Popular gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation have video calling app built-in.
  2. Log in to a video calling app that is compatible with your gaming console.
  3. Ensure that your camera and microphone are working. You can test them using the video settings.
  4. Once everything is working, start a video call by clicking on the video call icon. You can invite your contacts to join the call by sending a link via email or chat.
  5. During the video call, you can switch the camera, mute the microphone, and control the volume of your speakers.

Tablet

Tablets are also a great alternative for video calls. Here’s how you can make video calls on tablets:

  1. Download a video calling app on your tablet. You can choose from various free video calling apps available on Google Play Store or Apple Store.
  2. Log in to your account or create a new account if you don’t have one yet.
  3. Ensure that your camera and microphone are working. You can test them using the video settings.
  4. Once everything is working, start a video call by tapping on the video call icon. You can invite your contacts to join the call by sending a link via email or chat.
  5. During the video call, you can switch the camera, mute the microphone, and control the volume of your speakers.

With these straightforward steps on how to make video calls, you can now connect with your loved ones, friends and colleagues anytime and anywhere.

Say Hello to Your Loved Ones with Video Calls

Now that you know how to make video calls, it’s time to hit that call button and connect with friends and family. Remember to make sure you have a good internet connection and the necessary equipment to enjoy your call. Stay safe, stay connected and have fun! Thank you for reading and don’t forget to visit again for more articles on making your life even better. Happy video calling!