A video call is a video conferencing mode that involves two users who can see and hear each other at the same time. During a video call, users can share files and other media content, e.g. share desktop, exchange text messages, and use collaboration tools provided by their video conferencing solution.
To make video calls, video conferencing software or a separate hardware module is required. Today video calls are used almost anywhere: in meeting rooms, instant messengers, ATMs, telemedicine solutions, access control systems, etc.
Group video call is a video conferencing session including two or more participants. Depending on the capabilities of video conferencing system, users can run various group conferences:
• Everyone can hear and see each other (all on screen video conference)
• Everyone can hear and see several speakers (role-based video conference)
• Everyone can hear and see only the speaker and do not communicate with each other, while the speaker can see everyone (video lecture)
• Speaker cannot see or hear anybody, while everyone can see and hear the speaker (live streaming)
• Everyone can hear and see those speakers who start talking (voice-activated switching)
Thanks to WebRTC support, users can make video calls in all major browsers without installing additional plugins and software. With WebRTC, users do not need to waste their time downloading separate client applications for video calls.
Unlike a voice call, during which the partners can only hear each other just like in a traditional phone call, a video call allows participants to see and hear each other.
Both a video call and a voice call can be started from the same communication device or a virtual communication tool. The audio devices for these two types of calls will also be similar: a microphone and speakers (or headphones). For video calls, you will additionally need a web camera. To organize a successful video communication session, a stable Internet connection (perhaps 3G or 4G) for media streaming will be essential.
There are two basic types of video calls: one-on-one calls and group conferences. Users can hold a variety of group conferences, such as:
• Symmetric conference - meeting participants see and hear each other;
• Role-based conference - participants can only see and hear several conference speakers;
• Video meetings - conference members can hear and see only the speaker;
• Streaming - speaker cannot see or hear anybody, while everyone can see and hear the speaker;
• Voice-activated switching - speakers who start speaking become visible to other conference participants.
Video calling software can be corporate or personal. Corporate video conferencing solutions are designed for use within the enterprise network. Personal video conferencing solutions are for individual use and are designed to communicate with friends and family via the Internet.
FaceTime (for Apple)
FaceTime is Apple’s default video and audio call application. With this app, you can set up group calls for up to 32 participants and even share call links like in Zoom, while the SharePlay feature allows you to share videos and screenshots during your calls.
FaceTime is not currently available in some countries and regions, such as the United Arab Emirates and mainland China.
Google Duo
Google Duo is Android’s version of FaceTime that also supports audio and HD video calls at 720p with up to 32 participants. The unique feature of Duo is that you can see the video of the person who called you before you accept the call.
Duo is only available for iOS and Android devices. In order to activate the application you need to link it to your phone number. This means you can use Google on only one device. The quality of your video depends directly on your Internet connection.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp supports one-on-one video and audio calls, as well as group video calls with up to 8 participants. There are chats with emojis and stickers, audio and video messages. The messenger is available both as a web version and as an app for desktop and mobile devices.
The application does not require authorization, you only need to install WhatsApp Messenger once and link it to your phone number in order to log in and identify yourself. The contacts are automatically synchronized with the phone numbers in your phone's address book.
TrueConf
TrueConf is a self-hosted and secure solution for team messaging and audio/video conferencing with up to 1,000 participants. During video calls you can use multiple collaboration tools, such as remote desktop control, slideshow, screen and file sharing. You can record your audio and video conference for future playback. All the recordings are stored locally and available only for the participants. The solution is deployed on-premises or in a private cloud, providing full control of the data.
Since most video calling platforms are cloud-based, i.e. user data is stored on remote third-party media, they are potentially vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks and leakages. Your sensitive information shared can be stolen and used for blackmail and profiteering. Therefore, we recommend using TrueConf, a secure self-hosted meeting solution that implements multi-level privacy protection and stores user personal data locally.
Face-to-face video communication allows you to build more trust with the interlocutor by maintaining eye contact, reading body language, and analyzing what was said in real time. Phone calls provide only voice communication experience, which significantly reduces involvement in the conversation and the efficiency of information perception.
