Skype is a free program that allows you to chat and make video calls from a distance. Today you can communicate via Skype both with a specific user and with a whole group of interlocutors. All that is required for this is to create a video conference with the help of which you can easily solve business and family issues online.
Group calls are a very handy option in Skype. It can be used by all Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8 / 8.1 and Mac users. You cannot start a group video call from a mobile device. However, you can always join an existing video conference.
What to do before organizing a group video call
To make a group call (create a video conference) in Skype, you need to make sure that the webcam is working properly, and also check whether the technical requirements of the program match the system capabilities of the PC of each participant in the conversation. An important role in organizing group calls is played by the presence of a "Skype Premium" or "Manager" subscription at least one of your interlocutors. Without it, it will be impossible to use the conference call service.
Create a video conference
Find the "Create Group" icon in Skype and click on it. Then drag the required contact from the corresponding tab to the area called "Empty group". Repeat the same action for the rest of the contacts that you would like to make
conference participants.
Alternatively, you can use the Add Participants option. To do this, click on the "+" button and select "Add people". Then select the necessary contacts from the list of subscribers and click the "Add" button.
Up to 9 members can be added to the list of a new group. However, so that the quality of communication does not deteriorate, it is better to involve no more than 5 people in a conversation.
The next step is to start an online conference. Press the "Video Call" key. The screen color will then change immediately. At the bottom of the Skype window, you will see the call bar and then you will hear long beeps. They will continue until one of the interlocutors answers you.
If during the conference you stop hearing one of its participants, click the "Call quality" button at the bottom of the screen and check the call settings.
The host of the conversation can exclude any participant from the video conference. To do this, hover over the user's avatar and then click the red icon.
To end the video call, press the On-hook key.
Additional video calling features
During a group call, you can:
- show and hide the lists "Recent", "Facebook", "Contacts";
- send various files and messages;
- turn on / off the camera and microphone;
- add new participants to the video call;
- maximize the program window to full screen, as well as exit full screen mode.
