Facebook Video Chat - 10 Things You Need To Know

Prompted by the recent launch of video chat service of Google+, social networking giant Facebook fired back by rolling out another exciting service -- the video chat.

Powered by Skype, the new video chat service of Facebook lets you video call your friends in realtime, just like what you normally do on Skype. And the best part about it is that you can leave video messages to your offline friends, and have your friends read through your video message at later time.

Upload Multiple Photos To Facebook All At Once

The new Facebook video chat is currently available in India. So if you're in India, find time to check the service out and see for yourself how video chat of Facebook really works. For those who're outside India, let me just give you a quick view about the service by pointing out the most important things you need to know, as follows:
  • Of course, you and your Facebook friends will be needing a functional microphone and webcam to see and hear each other in real time. If your friends don't have webcams but have a working microphone, you can still hear them but no way to see them talking.
  • The first time you make a video call to your friend or your Facebook friend tries to video chat you right the first time, you'll be asked to complete the video chat setup. To start the setup process, just call a friend by simply clicking the video icon at the top of your chat window. From there you should be able to see "Set Up" button, click on it and follow the instructions on how to set up video calling on Facebook.
  • By the time you've successfully setup the Facebook video chat, the call you've started above with your friend should connect automatically. If nothing happens, call again by clicking the video icon at the top of your chat window.
  • To make a call, just visit friend's profile and click on the "Call" button in the top right corner
  • When a friend answers your call, you may have to wait a moment for your call to connect before the video chat begins.
  • Dates of each successful call you make and receive are saved within your ongoing conversation history in Facebook Messages.
  • Only confirmed friends can call you.
  • As with Skype, you can specify whether or not you're available for video chat. To set your video chat availability status, click the settings icon in the right corner of the chat list and check/uncheck "Available to Chat"
  • You can block a friend or group of friends from calling or chatting with you
  • Facebook video chat is currently not supported on Linux-based computers.

Stop Facebook Spam - 5 Tips To Avoid Facebook Trojans, Virus

I hope this piece of info helps you setting up your Facebook video chat. Remember that a one time setup both for you and your friends is needed before you can make a call. And as with other video chat systems, you can also block unwanted calls and hide your online visibility. Access Facebook video chat here!

Get weekly alerts delivered straight to your inbox