Staying Connected: A Guide to WhatsApp Video Calling on Smartphones and Web
In today’s digitally connected world, staying in touch with loved ones and colleagues is more important than ever. While text messaging is convenient, sometimes you need a face-to-face interaction. WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging app, recognizes this need and offers a robust video calling feature for free. Whether you’re on your smartphone or using WhatsApp Web, this guide will walk you through the steps of making video calls and keep you connected with whomever you need.
WhatsApp: How to make video calls from a smartphone
Using WhatsApp on your smartphone to make video calls is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open WhatsApp and select the contact you want to video call.
- Open their chat and tap the camera icon at the top of the screen to initiate a video call.
While on a one-on-one call, you can also add other participants. Here’s how:
- During your WhatsApp video call, tap the "add participant" button in the top right corner.
- Choose a contact and tap "Add".
Besides adding contacts to one-on-one calls, you can also initiate a group video call. Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp, select a group chat, and open it.
- Once the chat is open, tap the camera icon at the top to start a video call with the entire group.
Currently, WhatsApp supports up to 8 participants for group voice or video calls.
WhatsApp Web Video Call
Making video calls through WhatsApp Web is just as straightforward:
- Open WhatsApp Web and log in to your account.
- Click the vertical three-dots icon and select "Create a Room".
- A pop-up will appear. Click "Continue in Messenger". Note: you’ll need a Facebook account for this step to work.
- Create a room, and you are ready to start a video call.
- Now, simply share the video call link with others on WhatsApp.
For a video call with a specific contact or group:
- Open the chat window for that contact or group.
- Tap the attachment icon and select "Room", the last icon in the list.
Facebook’s Messenger Rooms feature allows video calls for up to 50 users at a time.
Beyond the Basics: Tips and Tricks
While the basic functionality of WhatsApp video calling is easy to grasp, there are a few tips and tricks to enhance your experience.
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is vital for clear video quality.
- Adjust camera and microphone settings: To ensure you’re well-lit and your audio is crisp, take the time to tweak your camera and microphone settings within WhatsApp.
- Silence notifications: To avoid distractions, mute notifications while on a video call. You can find this option within the call screen.
- Utilize the mute button: During your video call, you can use the mute button to avoid background noise or if you need to pause for a moment.
- Explore the video call features: WhatsApp offers additional features like group chats, screen sharing, and the ability to send messages during a call, allowing you to communicate effectively and seamlessly.
Conclusion
Whether you’re catching up with family, collaborating with colleagues, or attending a virtual meeting, WhatsApp’s video calling capabilities provide a convenient and reliable way to connect. With a stable internet connection and familiarity with the platform’s features, you can easily initiate and manage video calls on both your smartphone and WhatsApp Web. So, embrace the convenience of WhatsApp and keep those connections strong, no matter the distance.
