How to do video conferences in a practical and fast way

The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus continues to grow around the world and therefore governments have supported the social distancing between people. Even companies that can offer remote work to employees have already adopted the home office, since the technology allows the distance to be approximated through the internet.

Unfortunately, isolation can create some situations for those who are isolated from everyone, such as a feeling of loneliness and, in some cases, even depression. But there is a good solution for not feeling lonely during quarantine. the calls on video conference allow people to meet friends and family, work meetings and even attend distance classes.

In addition to conventional use, these tools make it possible to video calls for consultations, therapy and, who knows, even a party with your friends.

Currently, there are several aplicativos and services that offer video calling. Fortunately, some of them don't even need to be downloaded and users can video conference directly from navigator, without apps.

1 - Skype

O Skype or Whatsapp is the most popular video calling software on the market. The application was launched in 2003, being acquired by Microsoft in 2011, and has since greatly improved the options available. However, most people are unaware that the service can be used directly in the browser, so the consumer does not need to download anything to start a video call.

O Skype or Whatsapp online has been available since 2015 and offers voice, video, local calling and file sharing. to access the Skype Web It's very simple, just access the official website and use your e-mail and password registered in a Microsoft account, such as Outlook (formerly Hotmail). Of course, if you want to use the most stable version you can download it to PC, Android e iOS.

2 – Hangout Meet

O Hangouts Meet is focused on the professional sector, used in business meetings with up to 250 people in the heaviest version — the basic version offers meetings of up to 100 people. When a meeting invite arrives for the user, a notification appears on the Google calendar to mark the appointment in the calendar. Users can also receive an invite link that redirects them to the video call.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, Google released the beefier version for free to its consumers, however, only until July 1, 2020.

The interesting thing is that users can easily create a meeting room, after creating it, just send the invitation link. Besides the web version, the service has options for Android e iOS.

3 - Zoom Meetings

Like Hangouts Meet, the Zoom Meetings is a tool focused on video calls for market professionals. Most plans are focused on companies, but there is a free version for individual users. With the service, it is possible to hold meetings with up to 500 people and up to 10 people for webinars – in this case, users can only visualize, as in a lecture.

The application also uses the strategy of sending invitation links and guests do not necessarily need to be registered on the site. One of the great differentials is the possibility of recording and storing videoconferences unlimitedly. Unlike other options that are focused on professionals, Zoom does not require business email.

The free plan offers videoconferencing rooms for up to 100 people, with a limit of 40 minutes per meeting. The other plans cost up to R$ 1.799. Besides the version sem apps, Zoom Meetings is available for Android, iOS and PC.

4 - Houseparty

O House party it's an app video calls relatively new. Its popularity has started to grow in recent months, but with the increase in cases of COVID-19 coronavirus, the service is becoming a hit.

The most interesting differential that is captivating consumers is the possibility of playing with friends within the application itself. As the name already refers (Party at home, Houseparty in English), video call parties can bring together up to 8 people, whether friends or family - most of the available options offer conversations of a maximum of 4 users at the same time.

Interested users can download the application to Android, iOS or download the browser extension and use the service without apps. Unlike other available options, Houseparty does not offer the file sharing feature.

5 - WhatsApp

O WhatsApp also offers an excellent video calling option for consumers. Currently, the feature is only available for smartphone apps – the Web WhatsApp it just mirrors the smartphone information on the PC.

The messaging app Facebook is one of the most used in Brazil. That's why most people won't even need to download it to enjoy video conferencing. The functionality allows video calls of up to four people and there is the possibility to switch to audio calls easily. Users can use other apps at the same time, however, the video will cut off and only the audio will continue to work.

If you don't have WhatsApp yet, download it to Android ou iOS and start making video calls with your friends and family.

6-Facebook Messenger

O Facebook messengerr is a great option for those who want to make video calls without complications and with lots of people. Currently, the tool allows free video conferences with up to 50 people, however, if the number exceeds six, only the video of the person speaking at the time will be shown.

If you don't use Messenger to Android ou iOS, it is possible to use the web version easily. Just click on the video icon and your call will begin.

7 - Instagram

Beside the Facebook e Twitter, Instagram is one of the most used social networks around the world and, of course, it also offers video calls to its users. Like WhatsApp, the service is only available on smartphones Android e iOS, there is currently no web option.

To use the service, just enter the “Direct” (direct messages) and click the camera icon. 

In addition to video calling, the social network recently announced the new feature of “co-watching” to meet the demand caused during the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic. The feature allows users to make video calls and view Instagram content at the same time. The novelty is gradually reaching consumers.

To use the new feature, simply hold a video conference with friends and click on “Media” in the lower right corner of the screen. Then, the content timeline will open to share the “Instagram moment” with those you love.

Bonus – Microsoft Teams

Recently, the Microsoft Teams has completed three years since its launch and also to meet the demand that emerged after the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, great updates were released. Teams, like the Zoom, is a platform focused on the education market and the corporate world.

In addition to allowing voice and video calls with more than 250 users, Teams is a complete collaboration platform. The software allows storing and sharing files among users. Microsoft even integrated the system with the Office 365 service, so users can create documents in Teams itself.

Of course, the tool offers several paid options, however, the free plan has video conferencing. Microsoft Teams is available for Android, iOS e PC.