Skype is normally used for one-on-one video calls; however, it’s also capable of group video calling.
The group video calling feature is a great asset for businesses and companies that conduct meeting with people out of their workplace. It’s also being used by people who live away from home and want to talk to their friends and family at the same time. Skype is one of the first few apps that offer this feature; in fact, the group video calling has been offered by Skype for several years.
Video Conference of More than 3 Participants Only Available on Premium
In the past, Skype only allows up to 3 participants to join a video conference if you’re using the app for free. On the other hand, if you get the premium version of the app, you can add more participants in the video conference. You read it right, Skype used to charge people for their group video conference. That is, if the conference was having more than three people in it. However, people were quick enough to realize that they can get this feature for free in other apps.
Google Hangouts is an Alternative
One app that offers free group video calling is Google Hangouts, which is why it has become a strong rival for Skype, over the years. Even though Skype has maintained its loyal users, people would quickly cross the line and use Google Hangouts every time they want to make a group video call. Perhaps, it was a change of heart or maybe it’s just because Skype didn’t want to lose its millions of users, but no matter the reason, Skype is now offering their group video conference for free.
Now Skype Offers it For Free
This time, there’s no need to pay extra or for a premium version if you want to participate in a group video call. You can have a maximum of 10 participants, including yourself, in a video conference. This piece of news brings more advantage for businesses that use Skype as part of their communication. They can easily cut back on their video conference budget, now that Skype allows you to do it for free. To use this feature, you have to get the latest version of Skype installed on your desktop.
How to Make a Video Conference
To start a group video call, log in your username and password on Skype and make sure that you have in your contacts list the people you want to join the video call. In the Skype menu, click the Contacts, followed by Create New Group. A group will appear on the right side and you can drag the contacts you want to participate, into the box on top. You can still add more participants once the conference has started.
Waiting for the Mobile Version
For the time being, this feature is only available on the web version, however, we’re not losing hope; soon, it might also become available on mobile version. Until then, we don’t have any complaints about using our desktop to make a video conference with family and friends for free.
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