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WhatsApp video calls are now available to everyone

AndroidPIT whatsapp video call 0043 3
© nextpit

When WhatsApp finally got a voice calling feature last year it left us with just one question: when do we get video? Well, now it's underway. According to the WhatsApp blog, the feature is gradually rolling out for all users across the various platforms in the coming days. Read on for more on how to make WhatsApp video calls.

How to make WhatsApp video calls

Making a video call is just like making an audio call: open a call chat with the person you want to contact and then select the Video Call option. The other person, for now, will also need to have video calling for it to work otherwise you'll get an error message.

Once the call is launched, you can see and hear your correspondent. It will take us further testing to see the actual video quality but at first glance it looks pretty good. In our test, my colleague Luis used a Xiaomi Redmi 3 and I used a Nexus 6P, so rather good smartphones.

AndroidPIT whatsapp video call 0043 a
Just choose audio or video calls. / © NextPit

With a simple tap on the screen, you can access your messages, for example within the application, or return to the menu and use your smartphone for other purposes while continuing your call. Of course, if you do not keep the display of the call on the screen you can not see the caller but only hear the audio. To see him/her again, simply reopen the window.

You can download the latest version of WhatsApp version 2.16.318 here. But remain patient, the feature is rolling out to all users (not just beta users anymore) in the coming days. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app or clearing the cache won't do you any good. You just have to wait.

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Here's what WhatsApp video calling looks like. / © NextPit

Alternatives to WhatsApp video calling

If you don't like WhatsApp video calls (or can't stand the wait) then you can try out one of its many rivals. Alternative apps like Viber are excellent. In fact, it is one of the best instant messenger apps for Android.

In the case of Viber, making a video call means making a voice call first. Select your contact, tap the Free Call button, and wait for the call to connect. Once it connects, you’ll need to tap the Video Call button to move into video calling mode, and the person you’re calling needs to activate it too or you won’t be able to see him, her or them.

You can do the same thing in Skype for Android – there’s a button you can use to turn the video on or off during a call – but unlike Viber you don’t need to initiate a voice call first if you don’t want to. All you need to do is sign in, tap the contact you want to video call and then tap on the video call.

What do you think of WhatsApp video calling? Let us know in the comments.

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Benoit Pepicq

Benoit Pepicq
Editor

Benoit is passionate about new technologies and everything related to computers. A big Android fan since 2011, he joined the AndroidPIT team to satisfy his passion and to share his knowledge on Android with readers.

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30 comments
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  • varaprasad s 2
    varaprasad s May 25, 2017 Link to comment

    my mobile is in 4.0.4 version so, I don't have video calling option for whats app. Then how I get video calling option in my mobile for whats app without rooting my mobile. any alternative solution to get video call in my mobile for whats app.


  • Masud Rana 1
    Masud Rana Dec 1, 2016 Link to comment

    hi


  • Gratzeez 1
    Gratzeez Nov 22, 2016 Link to comment

    That's Amazing feature which launched in Whatsapp but Still i think Compare to Skype, whatsapp is little bit expensive but still we hope, in next update we can enjoy video calling without any query..


  • 1
    Alex Soprano Nov 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I wish at least one app will come close to iOS Facetime - best app for videocalling, they optimized it so good that it delivers excellent quality even on slow internet connection. I wish WA or Viber could someday come close to that. So far Skype is my choice on Android and Windows laptops - simply because everyone I know use Skype, but rarely someone uses WA or Viber or other 3rd party apps for videocalling


  • Salman Ayub 2
    Salman Ayub Nov 18, 2016 Link to comment

    I think its not working properly, we should wait for new update
    www. androidbird.com


  • 1
    Ters Mohyuddin Nov 17, 2016 Link to comment

    Allah is great


  • 1
    adam dennis Nov 16, 2016 Link to comment

    Amazing post , let me add another useful app to start hangout via whatsapp

    Best regards.


  • steve 16
    steve Nov 16, 2016 Link to comment

    whats app unifies Android and Apple video call horay, and its prrrettyyy prrrettyyy good!!!!


  • Awang Awang 1
    Awang Awang Nov 14, 2016 Link to comment

    im using wechat for video call more simple and fast....wechat have all in one


  • Parth Kanani 2
    Parth Kanani Nov 11, 2016 Link to comment

    Hi Guyz, Good News !! Download "Beta Updater" from play store. This app helped me to download & use WhatsApp beta version as a beta tester. I am enjoying video calling in WhatsApp !!


  • Abdul mannan 2
    Abdul mannan Oct 31, 2016 Link to comment

    Whatsapp already launch video calling feature just download 2.16.318 version from Google

    Knowledge Power


  • Optimus Prime (The Flash) 1
    Optimus Prime (The Flash) Jul 3, 2016 Link to comment

    Nope. You are wrong. Especially for Hangouts. Concerning the quality of the audio and video streaming Skype and Hangouts are one of the best if not the best.


  • Alex 17
    Alex May 18, 2016 Link to comment

    they are already been released in the latest beta version of the app which can be downloaded in apk mirror website.


  • 1
    Jacques Andersen May 8, 2016 Link to comment

    The pictures saved for each chat group are not identified by group, they are just all thrown into one folder and named sequentially. We need to be able to sort all media by group. Is there a way to do this?


  • Hisham Mohamed 1
    Hisham Mohamed May 3, 2016 Link to comment

    Unfortunately WhatsApp calling feature is not working in several destinations. I have tried several apps and one of the top apps I recommend is BlaBla Connect with Calls, MiniCalls, Chatting and topup & balance transfer services


  • Alex 17
    Alex May 3, 2016 Link to comment

    The interface looks slightly like messenger and yes Mark Zuckerberg bought it so!


    • Alexander KINS 2
      Alexander KINS May 3, 2016 Link to comment

      So its crap!!!!

      thenext


  • 12
    lianne john May 2, 2016 Link to comment

    Come Quick:)

    thenext


    • 7
      thenext Oct 28, 2016 Link to comment

      :)


  • Luc Saint-Elie 2
    Luc Saint-Elie Apr 29, 2016 Link to comment

    Video Call is a "nice to have" feature but WA misses features that would be greater in a day to day basic use, for example the ability to store medias on a SD instead of the phone memory (and now that WA can send files this requirement becomes more important).....

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