How to Make Video Calls: WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime

Video calls have changed the way we communicate. Being able to see the face of your child who lives in another city, witness your grandchild’s first steps even though you are thousands of miles away, or simply chat with a friend while looking into their eyes through the screen is something wonderful that technology gives us.

If you still do not know how to make video calls or want to learn to use different platforms, this guide explains step by step how to do it with three of the most popular apps: WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime. They are free, easy to use, and work from your phone or computer.

Video calls on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, and you probably already have it installed on your phone. The good thing is that making a video call on WhatsApp is almost as easy as making a regular phone call.

To call one person, open WhatsApp and find the contact you want to call. You can search in your chats or in your contact list. When you open the conversation, you will see two icons at the top of the screen: one of a phone for voice calls and one of a video camera for video calls. Tap the video camera icon and the call will begin. When the other person answers, you will be able to see and hear each other in real time.

To make a group video call with up to thirty-two people, start an individual video call and then tap the add participant button that appears on the screen. Select the contacts you want to add and you are set. You can also start a group video call from a WhatsApp group by tapping the video call icon at the top of the group screen.

During the video call, you can mute your microphone if there is noise around you, turn off your camera if you prefer not to be seen at a particular moment, or switch between the front and rear cameras. These controls appear on the screen during the call.

Video calls on Zoom

Zoom became famous during the pandemic and remains one of the best options for video calls, especially group ones. It is widely used for virtual family gatherings, online classes, and social events.

First, you need to download the Zoom app. On your phone, search for “Zoom” in the Google Play Store or App Store and install it. If you prefer to use your computer, go to zoom.us from your web browser.

To join a video call that someone else organized, you just need the invitation link or meeting number. If they send you a link through WhatsApp, email, or text message, simply tap it and Zoom will open automatically. Tap “Join with Video” so your camera will be active.

If you want to organize a meeting yourself, open Zoom and tap “New Meeting.” Once inside, tap “Participants” and then “Invite” to send the link to your family or friends via WhatsApp, email, or text. When they tap the link, they will appear in your meeting.

The free version of Zoom allows meetings of up to forty minutes with three or more participants, and unlimited one-on-one meetings. For most family video calls, this is more than enough.

Video calls on FaceTime

FaceTime is Apple’s video calling platform and comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer. If you and the person you want to call both have Apple devices, FaceTime is the simplest and most seamless option available.

To make a FaceTime call, open the FaceTime app on your device. Tap the plus button or the “New FaceTime” option. Type the name, phone number, or email of the person you want to call. Tap “FaceTime” and the video call will start ringing on their device. When they answer, you will be connected face to face.

FaceTime also supports group calls with multiple people. During a call, tap the screen to see the controls, then tap “Add People” to invite others. You can have group FaceTime calls with up to thirty-two participants.

One of the newer features is that FaceTime now also works with Android and Windows users through web links. You can create a FaceTime link and share it with anyone, even if they do not have an Apple device. They can join through their web browser.

Tips for looking good on video calls

Lighting is the most important factor. Sit facing a light source, such as a window or a lamp. If the light is behind you, your face will appear dark and others will not be able to see you well. The best position is with the window in front of your face, not behind your back.

Place your phone or computer at eye level. If the device is too low, the camera will capture you from an unflattering angle. You can prop your phone against a book or a mug to raise it, or use a phone stand.

Find a quiet place without too much background noise. If there is unavoidable noise like construction outside or a television in another room, use headphones with a microphone so your voice comes through more clearly.

Check your internet connection before an important video call. If your WiFi signal is weak, move closer to the router or modem. A poor connection causes the image to freeze and the sound to cut out, which is very frustrating for everyone involved.

What to do when something goes wrong

If others cannot hear you, check that your microphone is not muted. Look for the microphone icon on the video call screen and make sure it does not have a line through it. If they still cannot hear you, leave the call, close the app completely, and rejoin.

If others cannot see you, verify that the camera is turned on. The camera icon should not have a line through it. If the camera does not work, another app might be using it. Close all apps and reopen the video call app.

If the call drops or the image freezes, it is usually a connection issue. Try moving closer to the router, disconnecting other devices that are using the internet, or switching from WiFi to mobile data.

The technology that brings us closer

Video calls are one of the greatest gifts of modern technology. They allow us to feel close to the people we love regardless of the distance. Do not let fear of technology prevent you from enjoying this tool. With a little practice, making video calls will become as natural as picking up the phone. And every smile you see on the screen will make the effort of learning entirely worth it.