Video calls – Facetime, Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp and Zoom

Video calling is where you can see and hear the person, or people, you're talking to. It's a great way to feel closer to people, without needing to be near them. Being able to see who you're talking makes communicating easier. You can use video calling to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world.

There are lots of video calling programs and applications and most are free. Some devices have these already installed. If not, you'll need to download and install one.

What device do you need?

You can make video calls on many different devices. The main things you need are a microphone and a camera. Most laptops, tablets and smartphones have built-in cameras and microphones. Tablets and smartphones will usually have a camera at the front and a camera at the back.

Video calling program or application

Use an app store to download video calling applications on your phone or tablet.

Use an internet browser, for example; Chrome, Edge or Safari, to download video calling programs on your laptop.

The most used programs and applications are:

  • Facetime: a video calling application made by Apple which can also be used for voice calls. FaceTime only works with Apple devices and is pre-installed. For example; Apple Mac computer, iPad and iPhone
  • Skype: a program that lets you make video calls between all computers, tablets, and mobile devices. You can set up Skype with either a phone number or email address
  • Messenger: often used to send messages, pictures and videos but can also be used to make video calls. It's sometimes called Facebook Messenger. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can still use Facebook Messenger. Download the app from an app store or login from your browser
  • WhatsApp: lets you text, chat, video chat and send voice messages to one person or to groups of people. WhatsApp is available from most popular app stores. You can install it onto most smartphones and tablets, but not PC’s and laptops
  • Zoom: Zoom allows you to message call or video chat with one person or a group. You can use it on an internet browser for PC’s and laptops. You can also download it as an app to your smartphone or tablet. Zoom’s free package allows you unlimited 1-to-1 meetings but gives you a 40 minute limit for meetings of more than 3 people

Getting connected

To be able to video call someone you'll need to be connected to the internet. For long video calls, it's best to connect your device to the internet by Wi-Fi. This means you do not have to worry about how much data you're using. For shorter calls you could use a mobile internet connection.

To call someone, you'll need to make sure that they have the same program or application as you and that you have their contact details.

It does not matter what device you have. For example, one of you could have a mobile and the other person could have a laptop.

Registering

After you've installed a video calling program, you may need to register before you can use it for the first time. This usually will include entering your name. You may also need to enter an email address or phone number, and create a username and password.

Adding contacts

Video calling programs let you add contacts. This is like storing someone’s phone number and name on your phone. It saves you having to remember their contact details when you want to call them.

How to make a call

Most video calling programs have the same basic features and icons. Icons are small pictures you can select:

  • start a call: you can start a video call with someone by selecting the video icon
  • end a call: to end a video call with someone, select the red phone icon
  • mute the microphone: you can turn the microphone off so that the other person cannot hear you by selecting the mute microphone icon
  • turn the camera around: on a mobile device, you have two cameras. One at the front and one at the back. You can switch between the front camera and back camera by selecting the flip camera icon

Privacy settings and safety

It’s important to stay safe when you're video calling:

  • do not say or do anything that you could regret as the message or video call could be saved by the other person. They could then share it with people you do not know
  • only talk with people who you know or trust
  • stop communicating if someone is doing something inappropriate
  • make sure you have a secure password for your video calling program or application
  • do not share your personal details on your account with other people

Learn more

Free courses on video calling are available on the Learn My Way website.

To register for Learn My Way you'll need to enter your name and email address, choose a password. If you are learning from home, click the ‘Centre’ box and check the ‘I don’t have a centre’ box.