With the COVID-19 social distancing protocols in place, it’s harder than ever to keep in touch with friends and family. Yes, you can call them, email them, or even chat with them online, but it’s just not the same as being able to see them face to virtual face. So with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of video call apps that are designed to bridge the distances between people and help them feel a little closer to one another.
With smartphones, video calling has never been easier, especially with the apps listed below.
The one thing to remember is that while most mobile video call apps don’t cost anything to install, you may get charged for the data you use when not connected to a Wifi network.
Whatsapp is used by more than 2 billion people world wide, so there is a good chance that the person you want to video call has it on their phone or even on their computer.
Features:
- Instant messaging
- Group messaging
- Voice & video calling
- Chat sync between devices
- End to end encryption for secure messaging
- Document sharing
Messenger is Facebook’s built-in messaging service, so chances are if you are one of the over 2 billion active users, you’ve used messenger to chat with someone.
Messenger, like Whatsapp, has a host of features designed to add some extra panash to your text conversations, but can also be used to make voice or video calls.
Features:
- No phone number needed, works within the Facebook ecosystem
- Instant messaging
- Group messaging
- Emoji Reactions
- Voice Messaging (record your message to send to someone)
- Voice & video calling
- Chat sync between devices
- Location sharing
If you own an iPhone, you already have the ability to FaceTime with other iPhone/iPad owners. FaceTime works over both Wifi and cellular connections and was designed for one purpose, video calling.
Features:
- Reach contacts using their phone number or Apple ID.
- Make both video and audio calls.
- Enjoy Group FaceTime with up to 32 people at once.
- Use effects to become an Animoji, place stickers, and much more right in your FaceTime call.
- Use the front-facing FaceTime camera to show your face, or switch to the back camera to show your friends what you see.
- Create Favorites for quick access to key people in the Phone app.
- FaceTime calls are integrated into your recent calls list in the Phone app.
These are just a few of the various apps out there designed to keep in touch with the people you care about. If you are looking for a more robust live streaming option, click here to find out what you need and how Vistek can help you get your LiveStream up and running.
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Skype is one of those apps that you probably had installed on your desktop at one time. Yes, the desktop version is still around, but did you know that Skype has also gone mobile?
Features:
- Call regular phones from within Skype
- Get a local Skype phone number for when travelling
- HD video calling
- Live Subtitles
- Mobile screen sharing
- Call recording
You’ might not have heard of Google Duo, but it’s definitely worth mentioning here.
Google Duo is an app that allows you to make high quality video calls (including groups of up to 8 people at a time) for smartphones, tablets, computers, or Google smart displays.
Features:
- Group messaging with up to 8 people at a time
- Works on a multitude of devices, including iOS devices
- Live video preview of caller before answering
- Video messaging
- End-to-end encryption for secure calling
Do you have a favourite video calling app? If so, please share it with us in the comments below.
Cover Image Credit – Allie Smith on Unsplash