How to Make a Video Call on Skype

Skype lets you see and hear your friends with video calls. You must customize your settings to enable video calls, but, like other Skype calls, they are free. Follow these steps to make a video call on Skype.

Things You'll Need

• Webcam
• Internet access
• Skype account

Instructions

1. Double-click the "Skype" icon on your desktop and log in with your username and password.

2. Click "Tools" at the top of the screen, and then click "Options."

3. Click "Video" in the dropdown menu. The blue icon on the left will display your video options.

4. Check "Enable Skype Video." You'll now have access to Skype video settings.

5. Set up your webcam connection. It should already be connected to your computer with drivers installed. Select the webcam from the dropdown list and test it again to make sure it works.

6. Set your video call preferences below. You can have video start automatically if you check--what else?--"Start my video automatically."

7. Click "Save" in the bottom right to save your settings.

8. To make a video call, click the video button on your contact list or click "Start Video" once you are already in a call.

Tips & Warnings

• During a call, you can switch video on or off by clicking that option in the call tab.

• You need the newest version of Skype to use video. Download it at www.skype.com. At "Install," you will be walked through the video setup.

• Even if you don't have a webcam, you can see any contacts who have webcams at their end--they just won't be able to see you.

• Contacts must authorize their acceptance before you can make a video call.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish