Video calling has become essential for staying in touch with family, friends, and colleagues. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime, in this article we explain how to get started and share useful tips.

Choosing a video calling app

Zoom

  • Best for: Group calls, meetings, webinars
  • Free: Up to 40 minutes with groups, unlimited 1-on-1
  • Works on: Computer, phone, tablet

Microsoft Teams

  • Best for: Work meetings, Microsoft 365 users
  • Free: Yes, with limitations
  • Works on: Computer, phone, tablet

FaceTime (Apple)

  • Best for: Calling between Apple devices
  • Free: Yes, completely free
  • Works on: iPhone, iPad, Mac (and now web for others)

WhatsApp/Messenger

  • Best for: Quick calls with contacts
  • Free: Yes
  • Works on: Phone, tablet, computer

Getting started with Zoom

Download and install

  1. Go to zoom.us
  2. Click Download at the bottom
  3. Install the Zoom app
  4. Create a free account with your email

Join a meeting

  1. Click on the meeting link you received
  2. Or open Zoom and click Join
  3. Enter the meeting ID
  4. Enter the passcode if asked

Start your own meeting

  1. Open Zoom
  2. Click New Meeting for immediate meeting
  3. Click Schedule to plan ahead
  4. Share the link with participants

Getting started with Microsoft Teams

Download and install

  1. Go to teams.microsoft.com
  2. Click Download Teams
  3. Sign in with your Microsoft account

Start a video call

  1. Click Calendar in the sidebar
  2. Click Meet now for immediate meeting
  3. Or New meeting to schedule
  4. Copy the meeting link to share

Getting started with FaceTime

On iPhone/iPad

  1. Open the FaceTime app
  2. Tap New FaceTime
  3. Enter a name, email, or phone number
  4. Tap the video icon to start

Group FaceTime

  1. Add multiple people before calling
  2. Or add people during a call
  3. Up to 32 people can join

Tips for a good video call

Before the call

  • Test your equipment - Camera, microphone, speakers
  • Check your internet - Use cable or sit close to WiFi
  • Choose a good location - Quiet, good lighting
  • Position your camera - At eye level, not from below

Lighting

  • Sit facing a window (natural light on your face)
  • Avoid sitting with a window behind you (you'll be a silhouette)
  • A desk lamp in front of you can help

Background

  • Choose a tidy background
  • Or use a virtual background (available in Zoom and Teams)
  • Blur your background for privacy

Audio

  • Use headphones - Prevents echo
  • Mute when not speaking - Reduces background noise
  • Speak clearly - Not too fast, not too soft

Common problems and solutions

Others can't hear me

  1. Check if you're muted (microphone icon)
  2. Check microphone permissions in settings
  3. Select the correct microphone in the app
  4. Try restarting the app

Others can't see me

  1. Check if camera is turned on
  2. Check camera permissions
  3. Is another app using the camera?
  4. Try restarting the app or computer

Bad image quality or freezing

  1. Check your internet speed
  2. Move closer to your WiFi router
  3. Close other programs using bandwidth
  4. Turn off HD video in settings

Video call etiquette

  • Be on time - Just like a physical meeting
  • Look at the camera - Not at the screen, for eye contact
  • Don't multitask - It's noticeable
  • Use the chat - For questions or links
  • Say goodbye properly - Don't just click "Leave"

Accessibility features

  • Live captions - Available in Zoom and Teams
  • Transcription - Record and transcribe meetings
  • Sign language interpreter - Can be spotlighted
  • Larger view - Pin a participant for larger display

Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket through the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.

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