How to Make a Skype Video Call

Skype lets you use a webcam to make video calls and hold video conferences. Once you have your webcam installed, making a Skype video call is easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Skype account

1. Open Skype. Double click the icon for Skype and log in.

2. Click "Tools." This is at the top of the screen in your Skype window.

3. Click “Options” under the “Tools” menu. This will open your Options menu.

4. Click “Video.” This is a blue icon on the left.

5. Check the box next to “Enable Skype Video.”

6. Test your webcam. Select your webcam from the list of devices and click "Test Webcam." You can adjust the settings here, too. Click “Save.”

7. Start a video call. You can right click a contact name and select "Video." Or you can initiate a call and then click “Start video” once you are in the call.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also set the video to start automatically whenever you are in a call. Go to "Tools > Options > Video" and check “Start my video automatically.”
• Skype video requires both the newest version of Skype software and DirectX. Get Skype at www.skype.com and DirectX at www.microsoft.com/directx/.
• You can make a video call without a webcam, as long as your contact has a webcam. You will be able to see your friend but they won’t be able to see you.
• You must be authorized before you can make a video call to a user.