WhatsApp Video Calling: What You Need to Know
Text messaging and audio chats just don't cut it. Now that WhatsApp finally rolled out their video chat feature, they've stepped up their game.
Billions of people are using WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends and family across the states or around the world. With so many options for video chatting, staying connected is easier than ever. WhatsApp, a free messaging app available for Androids, will now be offering its users a video calling option as well. So what do you need to know about this exciting new feature? Here we’ll take a quick look.
How do I make a WhatsApp Video Call?
The long awaited video feature is finally here, and using it is easy:
- Find the contact you want to reach (make sure they also have video calling)
- Select to open a call chat
- Choose the “Video Call” option to launch
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What can I expect in terms of quality and functionality?
The video calling feature was only recently made available a couple of weeks ago. And as is the case for any new roll out, it will take time to really get a sense of how well its operating or what issues users are experiencing regularly. That said, as of now, it appears the quality is good, and the app allows for the same multitasking functionality that other video chat options, like Skype, offer. In other words, while on your video call, you can still navigate your smartphone to perform other tasks as needed without having to drop the call. So, for example, if you need to quickly check your mail or verify a date on your calendar, you would just minimize your video display and continue chatting through audio until you’re ready to return.
Another thing to keep in mind in terms of quality and functionality is that WhatsApp relies on the user’s’ Internet connectivity to work. If you’re calling from a remote location with a poor connection (or the person you’re trying to reach doesn’t have access to a solid, working connection) expect to experience lags and delays in your communication. Videos require a lot of bandwidth to operate smoothly.
The video chat feature has been a long-awaited addition for avid users. With the growing appeal and widespread use of live chat software, WhatsApp was at grave risk of falling behind. As of mid-November, users can finally enjoy the full scope of options for chatting and connecting with long distance loved ones in a single app. The feature roll out offers a great boost in convenience for WhatsApp, and we can’t wait to use it!