WhatsApp has rolled out video calling on Android, iPhone and Windows Phone across the globe. Here’s how to video call on WhatsApp or even group video call on WhatsApp.
“We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough,” says WhatsApp. “We want to make these features available to everyone, not just those who can afford the most expensive new phones or live in countries with the best cellular networks.”
We’ve now received the update on iOS, and have found it’s possible to video call contacts even if they haven’t updated their app. To video call on WhatsApp simply open a conversation with a contact and tap the camera icon next to the phone icon.
On Android you simply tap the phone icon and choose Video call.
Update 18 November 2016: It has been brought to our attention that scammers are using the new WhatsApp video calling feature to claim more victims. If you see a WhatsApp message with a link to a website on whicj you can activate video calling, do not click it. The only way to activate video calling is to update your WhatsApp app to the latest version, which you can do via the App Store or Google Play Store if you have not configured your phone to download and install updates automatically.
Read next: How to avoid WhatsApp viruses, scams and hoaxes.
How to make video calls on WhatsApp: Booyah
Before WhatsApp rolled out its own service there was Booyah.
Booyah is a free app available in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store that lets you video call your WhatsApp contacts, provided your recipient also has the app installed.
The app couldn’t be any simpler to use, simply install it either on Android or iOS and the app will then have access to your WhatsApp contacts. In terms of permissions on Android, the app will require you to access your photos/media/files, camera, microphone, Wi-Fi and have full network access.
Once the app is installed, you’ll be able to directly video call any of your WhatsApp contacts through the app. In order to be able to make a video call, the recipient(s) will need to also download and install Booyah and of course have WhatsApp installed on their device. Read next: How to install WhatsApp on iPad or Android tablet.
As you initiate a call it will provide you with a link to a video chat, whereby contacts can join. If you happen to close the application whilst the call is taking place, your video will freeze, but you’ll still be connected to your video call via voice call only.
How to make group video calls on WhatsApp
As well as allowing you to make video calls on WhatsApp with single contacts, Booyah lets you hold group video calls with several of your friends. You’ll be able to directly add extra people within the conversation.
We experienced a few problems with the app, where at times it didn’t properly display all the contacts, but on the whole the app is very simple and works as intended.
Read next: How to read a WhatsApp message without the sender knowing.