Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Using a webcam on Skype
• Method 2 of 3: Using Facetime to Video Chat
• Method 3 of 3: Using Social Media for Video Chat
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Video chat is fun and affordable, and the software you need to do it is completely free! Using a webcam allows literal face-to-face communication. Each of you individually (you and your friend) needs to have a camera, a microphone (most laptops these days have these built in, but can be purchased separately if needed) and software. Below are the most popular video chat solutions.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using a webcam on Skype

1. 1 Download and install Skype. Skype is a popular video chat and call software with wide multi-platform support.
2. 2 Connect your webcam. The system should recognize the USB camera and install the drivers automatically.Some cameras come with installation CDs. Usually there is no need for them, but its disk is still worth using if there are any problems with connecting the camera.
   • On Windows, you can check if the camera is installed properly by going to Control Panel> Device Manager> Imaging Devices and making sure your device appears there without an error flag.
3. 3 Launch Skype and create an account (or sign in to an existing one). Keep in mind that your real name, username and email address may be used when searching for contacts.
4. 4 Adjust your camera settings. After that, you will be sure that the camera is working correctly, and displays exactly the picture that you are going to broadcast. You can access the settings via Tools> Settings> Video Devices on Windows or Skype> Settings> Audio / Video on Mac.
5. 5 Start a video call. Select the search bar and enter the person's name, username, or email address, then click Search Directory. When you find the user you want, double-click on his name, and after opening the chat window, click "Video call" to start a video call (button with a video camera).
   • When you start calling, your interlocutor will need to take the call by pressing the "Answer" button.
   • You can also click the "+" button to open the chat window. In the window that appears, you can click "Copy" and send this conversation link directly to your friend, including via email. After your friend joins the conversation, tap Video Call to make a video call.
   • Click "Add to Contact List" to save the details of this user in your contact list, which will simplify the procedure for contacting him in the future. Your friend must confirm this action on his part, after which his nickname will be displayed in your contact list.

Method 2 of 3: Using Facetime to Video Chat

1. 1 Install and launch Facetime. Facetime is an application designed exclusively for Mac platforms (OSX and iOS). Its use is possible on OSX versions 10.6.6 or higher (earlier versions are not supported). OSX versions starting from 10.7 come with Facetime already preinstalled. Facetime can only be downloaded and installed from the App Store, which requires an Apple ID.
   • Facetime communication requires both users to be using OSX or iOS.
2. 2 Connect your webcam and launch Facetime. Your camera will start automatically, after which you will be able to see its transmitted image in the start window.
   • Facetime uses the built-in camera by default. You can select another camera by going to the "Video" menu and select the desired device from the list.
3. 3 Sign in with your Apple ID. All contacts associated with your Apple ID will be automatically imported as potential Facetime contacts.
4. 4 Make a call. Find the desired contact in the list and select it. Click on the button with the video camera icon to make a video call.
   • Contacts can be added using the "+" button. All contacts added in the Contacts app will be imported automatically.

Method 3 of 3: Using Social Media for Video Chat

1. 1 Choose a social network. Using social networks for video chat is very convenient, as it allows you to make a call directly from the web browser page. In addition, all your friends from the social network are already on the list of those people who can be called. Facebook and Google Hangouts are two of the largest and most popular social media video chat platforms.
2. 2 Connect your webcam and sign in to your account. Go to the website of your chosen platform (facebook.com or google.com) and sign in to your account.
3. 3 Open the chat window with the desired contact. Click on his name in the contact list. Hangouts in Gmail and the Facebook Chat window are enabled by default.
   • To enable Hangouts, click the Sign In button. Since you're already signed in to Gmail, you will sign in to Hangouts without asking for your username and password.
   • To enable chat on Facebook, click the "Settings" button and find the option to activate it.
4. 4 Press the video call button. A video call request is sent to the user.
   • If you are not using Google Chrome, you will be prompted to install the Hangouts extension to be able to make video calls on Google Hangouts.
   • Facebook video chat does not work in Internet Explorer.
   • A grayed-out video call button means that the user is not currently available for video chat.

Tips

• Regardless of the method chosen, the same video chat program must be used on the devices of both users.
• During a video chat, you can turn off the microphone or video at any time if you press the corresponding button right at the time of communication.
• There are many different webcams with different parameters. The main things to look out for are operating system support (OSX or Windows), camera resolution, and microphone quality.

Warnings

• Remember that the caller may see something in your frame that you would not like to show him. Always check the area that the camera sees before video chatting.

What do you need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Webcams
• Video chat software