How to Video Chat and Conference on Your TV?

Video chat and conference applications and platforms have been around for a while.

But they have only recently become necessities.

In the post-COVID-19-world, video chat applications have become a cornerstone of our sanity, facilitating both professional and social connections.

Most people video chat and conference through their smartphones, which isn’t always ideal. There are several issues with video chatting over phones:

• Since you’re holding the phone, the camera looms close to your face and looks pretty awkward… think of all your grandparent’s up-the-nose video chat shots.
• You may choose to hold the camera at a distance, but then an extension of your arm is always visible on-screen.
• Video chatting over smartphones is even more difficult if you do a conference call. The smartphone screen is already small enough. But when you split it into smaller screens to accommodate all the participants, you can barely see anyone without squinting.

That’s why you need to start holding video chats and conference calls through your TV screens!

Chatting with friends, family, and colleagues over large TV screens will be a lot more comfortable because you’ll see everyone in the conference call clearly, and you won’t have to hold the TV at arm’s length!

 

But how can you video chat and conference on a TV?

Well, when video calling on TV, there are two sets of considerations:

In this article, we give you an overview of all the different ways in which you can video chat and conference on your TV.

 

Types of Platforms and Devices Used to Video Chat and Conference on TV

When considering how you’ll video chat on your TV, you must consider the platforms and devices. The following is an overview of the different platforms and devices you can use to video chat or conference on your TV. 

Option 1: Smart TV with an Integrated Camera

The easiest and most convenient way to video chat or conference on your TV is to get a Smart TV with an integrated web camera.

Most Smart TVs with web cameras have some kind of pre-installed video chat application. As such, all you have to do is find the app on your Smart TV, login, and start video chatting. The in-built web camera will instantly detect you and allow you to video chat. You won’t need to connect any cables, use third-party devices, or buy additional cameras.

Prior to June 2016, there were many Smart TVs with built-in cameras which had a pre-installed Skype application. One such model is Panasonic TC-PVT60. Along with its pop-up camera with face-recognition, it also had Skype to provide for a hassle-free video chat. Besides Panasonic, Sony, LG, Toshiba, and many others also had TV models similar to this.

Unfortunately, in June 2016, Microsoft decided to stop supporting Skype for TVs, essentially killing the app for anyone who owned such a TV. A pretty unpopular move in the eyes of the owners of not-so-cheap TVs. Since July 1st 2016, the TV Skype app wouldn’t work on their TV sets anymore. End of story. 

As mentioned above, the greatest drawback of Smart TVs with integrated cameras is that they’re insanely expensive. While Smart TVs have become mainstream, Smart TVs with integrated cameras are still far from the norm. Smart TVs with integrated cameras generally cost thousands of dollars. Furthermore, most people don’t have much of an incentive to replace their existing television set with a Smart TV with an integrated camera.

Pros and Cons of Smart TVs with Built-In Cameras

Pros:

• You don’t need to purchase additional devices.
• You don’t need to make connections to other devices.
• Ideal for grandparents or those who are technologically-challenged because they can access a video chat app using a single button.

Cons:

• Smart TVs with integrated cameras are extremely costly.
• If you already have a television set, you’ll need to replace it with a new Smart TV. As such, this method isn’t suitable for most people who just want to use the devices at hand.

 

Option 2: TV + Web Camera

See a selection of the best Web cams for your TV on Amazon

If you have a Smart TV but not an integrated camera, you can purchase a separate web camera for your TV. You can purchase a Smart TV camera compatible with your TV’s make and model. Most Smart TV web cameras have pre-installed video chat and conference applications. As such, once you attach the web camera over your existing TV, just start your video chat app to begin talking to friends and family.

Facebook Portal TV

Check best offer for Facebook Portal TV on Amazon

Facebook Portal TV is a smart web camera for your TV designed by Facebook. Like other TV web cameras, Portal TV has to be attached over your existing TV and connected using an HDMI cable. Facebook Portal is by far the best option for a TV webcam. 

Facebook Portal TV has some pretty impressive features:

• Smart Camera and Smart Sound use automatic pan and zoom features to follow you and widen the screen to ensure perfect visibility. The camera follows you around the room, keeps you in focus, and also minimizes background sounds.
• You can easily make video calls to your friends’ Facebook or WhatsApp accounts.
• Facebook Portal TV also serves as an Alexa device. As such, you can initiate video calls using voice commands, and you can also perform other Alexa functions like activating music.
• When you’re not on a call, Portal TV makes a screensaver on your TV with your Facebook and Instagram photos.
• The camera has augmented reality features with which you can add music, animation, and AR effects. As such, you can create fun live stories and animations for your children.
• It also comes with some fun AR-driven games that you can play while video calling.
• You can capture videos and photos, edit them, enhance them with fun effects and filters, and share them to your Facebook or Instagram feed.

Facebook Portal TV is also extremely easy to install. The following is an overview of how you can install Portal TV:

• Mount Portal TV over your existing TV or place it on a surface just underneath your TV. Don’t keep it close to speakers.
• Connect the power adapter to the power source and the HDMI cable to the TV.
• Turn your TV on and pair your remote to Portal TV using the onscreen instructions.
• Select the language and connect to your home’s WiFi network.
• Download and install Portal TV.
• Connect your Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to Portal TV following the onscreen prompts and instructions.
• Complete the setup by adding your favorite contacts.
• When it comes to making a call, you can either use your voice or use the onscreen controls. If you use your voice, just say, “Hey Portal, Call [name of contact].” If you use the onscreen controls, go to Home > Contacts > Call.

Another impressive feature has recently been introduced to Facebook’s Portal TV, Portal +, and the Portal Mini – the ability to natively use the Zoom App. Although Facebook has its own video calling software already integrated into the Facebook platform, the addition of Zoom makes video conferencing more convenient.

The ability of Zoom to connect with different platforms like PCs, mobiles, and compatible smart TV’s makes it easier to connect with others. You can now set up a video conference with other Zoom users without having to rely on further gadgets other than your Portal TV. With Portal TV’s auto pan and focus camera, you can create more dynamic Zoom meetings.

To install Zoom on your Facebook Portal device, you’ll need an active Zoom account. If you don’t have one, you can create one for free on their signup page.

Setting up Zoom on your portal device is as simple as going to the Portal App page on your Portal TV and searching for the Zoom app. Once installed, sign in with your Zoom account to enable the app on your Portal device. If you’re installing Zoom on your own, the process should complete automatically once you’ve signed in. If a room has been provisioned to you by your company, you can select it from the menu to enter it. 

It’s also important to set a lock passcode on the Zoom app on your Portal TV so that you can prevent unauthorized use when you’re away from the screen. Once you’ve signed in to your Zoom account for the first time, Zoom will ask for a passcode. You can select Screen Lock to enter this code now or choose Skip to do it at a later time.

Once the passcode has been entered, you can enable auto-lock to activate after a certain period of inactivity. If you don’t do so, you’ll have to manually lock Zoom whenever you leave the room. To enable auto-lock, follow these steps:

1. On the bottom right corner of the Zoom page, tap on Settings.
2. From the menu, select Auto Lock Screen after Inactivity.
3. Choose the length of time that you wish Zoom to lock after inactivity.
4. If you wish to manually lock Zoom each time, choose Never.
5. Tap on Save.
6. The auto-lock settings should now be set.

To activate manual screen lock, go to the Portal Home screen. On the lower right-hand corner of the screen, there should be a lock icon. Tapping on this should lock the device.

Logitech TV Cam

See best offer for Logitech cam on Amazon

Logitech TV Cam is a web camera that’s attached over your existing TV using the clasp system.

TV Cam has the following features:

• This web camera provides HD videos, and it comes with HDMI input.
• It used to have a pre-installed Skype and Wi-Fi for video chats on your TV without any other devices. As of June 2016, Microsoft stopped supporting Skype for TVs, also preventing Logitech TV Cam and any such device from using this benefit.
• The camera also includes an Ethernet port if you want a wired connection.
• This web camera has a wide-angle lens.
• The inbuilt ringer lets you know when you’re receiving a call.
• Four microphones ensure voice clarity and noise reduction.

AUKEY FHD Webcam

See the best offer for AUKEY FHD Webcam on Amazon

For anyone who’s looking for an inexpensive way to turn their TV into a video chatting platform, the AUKEY FHD Webcam just might be the ideal option. First of all, it provides a clean and steady image when streaming video and, second, it’s compatible with the most popular streaming apps available today.

The most important feature on any webcam is the video resolution at which it streams the content it captures. In this case, the AUKEY FHD Webcam is on par with the Logitech TV Cam, providing a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This camera includes a fixed focus which allows you to have a crisp image even at distances of up to five meters or 16 feet.

The two-megapixel 1/2.9” CMOS image sensor provides a 1080p stream at 30 frames per second, which is more than enough to achieve a good quality image in any kind of video chat. Thanks to the sensor’s decent light sensitivity, your video will look reasonably good even when video chatting in dimly lit conditions.

As far as the sound is concerned, the AUKEY FHD Webcam comes with two integrated stereo microphones. Using the exterior design similar to the Logitech TV Cam, the two widely spaced microphones are quite capable of delivering your voice as clear as if you were standing next to the people you talk to.

When it comes to installing this webcam to your TV, the process is super-simple. Once you plug the camera into a USB port on your TV, use the clip the camera comes with and attach it to the top edge of the TV. Since there are no drivers to install to make the camera work, once you connect it to the TV, that’s it – it’s ready for action.

Of course, you can use the camera with your laptop or computer monitor as well. Additionally, you can also transform the camera’s clip to place the webcam on a desk or any kind of flat surface. If you plan to use the AUKEY FHD Webcam with your computer or laptop, you shouldn’t worry at all, since it’s compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Android operating systems.

Finally, when using a webcam on your TV, it’s important to know what kind of video conference apps you can use it with. Luckily, the AUKEY FHD Webcam supports all the popular chat apps:

• Skype
• Zoom
• WhatsApp
• Google Hangouts
• YouTube
• OBS

Kraydel Konnect

Kraydel Konnect is one of the easiest methods of video chatting with others on your TV. Konnect consists of three devices — the Konnect Hub with Camera, the Konnect Processing Unit, and the Konnect Remote.

Kraydel Konnect has the following features:

• You can video call different Konnect devices, including mobile, website browsers, and other Konnect TVs.
• The Konnect user interface is extremely simple.
• Konnect sends notifications on your TV and mobile when you receive calls.
• Konnect also senses motion, room temperature, and light and sound. As such, it modifies the visual output accordingly for optimal video conference quality.

Once you install all of the Konnect devices, it’s extremely easy to use. In fact, it has been designed to allow grandparents to remain connected to the rest of their families — though you may have to install the device for them.

However, Kraydel Konnect has one major drawback. It only allows you to video call other Konnect devices. It doesn’t have pre-installed third-party applications. As such, if you get it for your grandparents, you’ll also have to get it for everyone else they want to contact.

The following is a quick overview of how you can video call with Kraydel Konnect:

• Attach the Konnect Hub on your TV and adjust the camera’s angle.
• Connect the Hub to the Processing Unit and your TV using the USB and HDMI cables.
• Connect the Processing Unit to the socket for the power supply.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the device to your Wi-Fi and set up your account.
• The Konnect remote is extremely simple to handle. Once you press the heart button on the remote, the video chat menu opens up. You can scroll through the options using the arrow buttons and select Yes or No options using the appropriate button.
• Once you get the option ‘Make a Video Call,’ tap the ‘Yes’ button.

Pros and Cons of Buying Web Cameras

Pros:

• Installing the web camera’s device allows you to convert any TV into a Smart TV with video calling function.
• Once the web camera is installed, accessing video calling features is a piece of cake.
• The video quality is stellar because the camera has been designed specifically for the purpose of video calls.

Cons:

• Web cameras are usually expensive.
• While they convert your TV into Smart TVs, they only allow you to perform basic video calling functions.
• Most of them aren’t worth the money.
• Some of them, like Kraydel, lock you into an ecosystem. As such, you can only use them for video calls if everyone else in your network also uses them.
• Even if the web camera doesn’t lock you into a single ecosystem, they usually have a limited range of compatible third-party applications.

 

Option 3: TV + TV Camera + Third-Party Devices

Do you want to video call your friends, family, and colleagues, using a wide range of video call platforms? These days, people aren’t restricted to one or even two video calling platforms. Some of your family members may want to chat on WhatsApp, and some may prefer another similar service. Your colleagues may want to chat on Zoom while your friends may want to collectively get together in Houseparty.

As such, a web camera may not prove sufficient, and you may need third-party devices that are compatible with such applications. You should carefully research the various devices that offer third-party video call and conference applications, such as Blu-Ray Players, Chromecast, etc. You should also note that connecting a third-party device and a web camera to your existing TV will be expensive. As such, you should only consider this option if you already have a third-party device.

Blu-Ray Player

Blu-ray players are relatively affordable devices that play Blu-ray videos, DVDs, and CDs. While Blu-ray players are generally meant to play videos, some of them may also have a pre-installed video calling application. Panasonic DMP-BDT220 is one example of a Blu-ray player with in-built Skype compatibility. Unfortunately, Microsoft stopped supporting Skype for TVs in June 2016, so the feature became obsolete. This could prove to be useful information for someone’s trying to sell you a Skype-enabled BR player.

We would advise against purchasing a Blu-ray player for the sole purpose of video calling. Blu-ray players are fairly restrictive because people rarely use Blu-ray discs anymore, and they don’t offer great functionality. However, if you already have a Blu-ray player with a video calling feature, you can use it in combination with your TV and web camera.

Pros:

• If you already have a Blu-ray player with a pre-installed video chat app, you only need to get a web camera to access the video calls feature.

Cons:

• Purchasing a Blu-ray for the sole purpose of video calling doesn’t make sense because of limited functionality.
• You’ll still need to purchase a web camera separately.

Xbox One

Xbox One, as you may be aware, is a video gaming console. But even though Xbox One is a gaming console before anything else, it’s also a lot more than that.

Xbox One also serves as a Blu-ray player because you can play DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray discs. Xbox One also allows you to play all of the latest video games or stream content on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, HBO, etc.

Most importantly, Xbox One comes with pre-installed Skype and a separate Kinect sensor that serves as a TV camera. As such, you can connect the Xbox One and the Kinect sensor to your TV to video call friends and family using Skype and other video call applications.

The greatest advantage of using Xbox One is that it serves a lot of utility beyond video calling or video games.

Pros:

• If you already have an Xbox One, you can easily access Skype for video calls. You don’t need to purchase a web camera because Xbox One comes with a Kinect sensor.
• It provides a lot of functionality beyond video calling. You can stream content and also play video games.
• You can video call using multiple apps.

Cons:

• It’s costly, which is why you shouldn’t purchase it for the sole purpose of video calling.
• Not the most user-friendly device.

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 also allows you to video call. However, you shouldn’t purchase an Xbox 360 for the sole purpose of video calling other people. Xbox 360 isn’t compatible with Skype or other third-party video call applications.

If you want to video call using Xbox 360, you’ll need to use the Kinect Sensor device, which comes with the primary console. You’ll have to attach the Kinect Sensor over your TV and install the Xbox 360. Once that’s done, you can use the Kinect Sensor camera to video call others who also have the same device. As such, if you already have an Xbox 360, you can communicate with others who also have a Kinect Sensor.

Pros:

• Xbox 360 comes with a Kinect sensor, which means you can video call friends who also have Xbox 360.
• You don’t need to purchase a separate web camera.

Cons:

• Kinect sensor is ecosystem-exclusive. As such, you can only video call others who have Kinect, which means it has limited usage.
• Not worth purchasing for video calls.

PlayStation 3

PlayStation 3 is yet another video gaming console with a video call option. However, to use the video call feature in PlayStation 3, you’ll need the following:

• PlayStation 3 gaming console.
• PlayStation Eye, which is the console’s native web camera, bought separately.
• A microphone or headset for communication.
• PlayStation Network account.

Once you’ve fulfilled all the requirements, you can video call your friends who also have a PlayStation Network account. From the menu, you can start a chat session with one of your friends. Once they accept your chat invitation, you can video call them through the PlayStation Eye connected to your TV.

Pros:

• If you already have a PlayStation 3 gaming console, you’ll only need to purchase an affordable PlayStation Eye to video call your friends.
• PlayStation 3 offers great functionality and entertainment value beyond video calls. You can also stream content and play video games.

Cons:

• You can only video call other friends who also have PlayStation accounts and PlayStation Eye.
• The gaming console doesn’t come with PlayStation Eye, which has to be bought separately.
• Only suitable for those who already have the PlayStation gaming console.
• Video calling people using PlayStation 3 is complicated and challenging.

Amazon Fire Stick

See best offer for Amazon Fire Stick on Amazon

Amazon Fire Stick is one of the most affordable means of converting a regular TV to a smart TV. It’s one of the most popular Smart TV devices and gives you access to an incredibly wide range of applications, including Skype and other video call applications like Video Call and Just Talk.

It’s worth noting that the fact Microsoft stopped supporting Skype in 2016, doesn’t affect Fire TV Stick. Reason being it uses the Skype app made for Android, not the specialized TV-native app.

You have to insert the Fire Stick device into your TVs HDMI port. Once you insert the Fire Stick device, you can surf through hundreds of applications. You can stream content through applications like Netflix, play music through applications like Amazon Music, and video call through applications like Skype.

However, Amazon Fire Stick doesn’t come with a web camera. As such, you’ll need to purchase one of the web cameras we mentioned earlier in this article. Once you’ve installed the web camera and the Fire Stick, you can install Skype or any other video call application.

Pros:

• Amazon Fire Stick is extremely affordable.
• It gives you access to a wide range of video call applications.
• You can also use the Fire Stick to stream video content, play video games, listen to music, etc.
• Amazon Fire Stick comes with Alexa, which means you can control it using your voice.

Cons:

• You’ll still need to purchase a web camera for your TV.

Option 4: Casting and Mirroring SmartPhone, Tablet, or Laptop to Your TV

Casting is the process with which you wirelessly stream content or make video calls on your phone, tablet, or laptop and then cast that content to your TV. As such, you can make a video call from your smartphone and cast it to the TV. You don’t need to install a separate web camera to your TV because you can simply use your laptop, tablet, or phone’s camera. The following are some of the most popular methods to cast video calls from smartphone to TV.

Video & TV Cast (Phone or Tablet)

Video & TV Cast is one of the most popular apps with which you can cast your smartphone or tablet’s screen to your TV.

However, to use this application, you’ll need the following:

• Compatible Smart TV, such as Samsung SmartTV, LG SmartTV, or Sony SmartTV.
• If you don’t have a compatible Smart TV, you’ll need a compatible Smart TV device, such as Google Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon FireTV.
• Video & TV Cast smartphone app installed in your Android or iOS device.

The following is a brief overview of how Video & TV Cast works:

• Install the Video & TV Cast application on your phone.
• Connect your phone and your Smart TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Use any video call application, such as Skype, WhatsApp Call, Zoom, etc.
• Hold down the ‘Tap Here to Cast’ button.
• Your video call will be mirrored on your TV.
• Position the phone or tablet’s camera angle correctly and enjoy the video call.

Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast is a device that allows you to use your phone, laptop, or tablet as a remote control through which you can cast your video calls and content to your TV screen. As such, you can use any video call application downloaded from the Google Play Store, be it WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, or any other.

To cast video calls using Google Chromecast, you’ll need the following:

• TV with an HDMI port.
• Google Chromecast device.
• Compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer, with the Google Home application installed.

The following is an overview of how Google Chromecast works:

• Plug the USB power cable into your Chromecast for power.
• Connect your Google Chromecast to your TV using the HDMI port.
• Access your TV and connect to your home’s WiFi network.
• You’ll see the Welcome screen.
• Download the Google Home app in your Android, iOS device, or computer.
• Follow the on-screen prompts on your device and make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.
• You’ll be asked to choose a device to set up. Select the Chromecast device and confirm the number on your screen.
• Make sure your Chromecast is connected to the same WiFi network as your laptop, phone, or tablet.
• Your Chromecast is now installed.
• Now access any video call application and select the Chromecast option for your TV to cast the video call to your TV.

AirPlay

AirPlay is a native feature used by Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and Apple TVs. AirPlay allows you to stream content and share a screen between different Apple TVs or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs, such as Samsung FHD/HD 4, 5 Series, Samsung The Serif Series, etc.

AirPlay allows you to cast video calls from any iOS-compatible application to your TV screen. AirPlay is the best casting option for those who exclusively have Apple devices, but it’s not suitable for Android or Windows users.

To cast video calls using AirPlay, you’ll need the following:

• AirPlay 2-compatible SmartTV or an Apple TV device.
• Home app installed on your iOS device or computer.

The following is an overview of how AirPlay works:

• Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the same WiFi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible SmartTV.
• Access the video call application you want to use.
• Tap the AirPlay icon and choose your TV.
• Your video call will now be screened on your TV.

Pros and Cons of Casting Screen to TV

Pros:

• You don’t need to purchase a TV web camera because you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer’s camera.
• You have an abundance of options when it comes to the video call application. In all other options, you’re limited by the applications available in the Smart TV or third-party device. However, if you’re casting your smartphone or computer screen, you can video call on your TV using any application available on these devices.
• Most people can avail of this option without investing in expensive third-party devices.

Cons:

• Casting video screen requires a degree of technical comfort that most people don’t possess. It’s not a very user-friendly option.
• You’ll still need access to a SmartTV or a TV with a compatible third-party device like Google Chromecast, Apple TV, or Fire Stick.
• Activities like casting video screens on your TV and making video calls take up a lot of bandwidth and data. As such, when used together, you may experience some lags and delays if your Wi-Fi speed isn’t perfect.

 

Best Video Chat and Conference Apps

No matter which method you use to video call on your TV, you’ll need to use certain applications. You can think of this as highways and cars — “highways” are the methods and devices mentioned in the previous section; the “vehicles” are the video chat and conference apps you use in those “highways.”

As such, even once you decide which combination of devices you want to use, you’ll still need to figure out which application will serve your purpose best. In some cases, you won’t have a lot of options. A lot of SmartTVs and third-party devices only give you one or a few options. However, if you’re casting your phone or computer on the TV, you have an abundance of choices.

The following is a brief overview and compatibility information of some of the most popular video chat and conference apps available.

1. Skype

Microsoft’s Skype is one of the oldest and most reliable video calling platforms. Skype has regular chatting features as well, but it’s a no-frills video calling application that excels in its primary function. The free Skype account allows you to hold one-on-one video calls, with a cap of four hours per call and 100 hours per month. That’s enough for most casual users. However, if you want to extend those hours or hold conference video calls with multiple people, you’ll need a Skype premium membership. The premium membership allows you to video call with up to 10 people simultaneously.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac, Windows, Linux DEB, Linux RPM, and Linux SNAP
• Phones: iPhone, Android, Windows 10
• Tablets: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire HD, Windows 10
• Other Platforms: Xbox One, Amazon Alexa, Fire TV Stick
• TVs: Skype stopped supporting TVs (and Blu-ray players) as of June 2016.

2. Zoom

Zoom is currently one of the most popular video call and conference applications for businesses because it’s extremely reliable and has great web integration. Businesses use Zoom because it has a wide range of web conferencing and collaboration features, such as scheduled messages, screen share with others, whiteboarding, co-annotation, etc. With Zoom, you don’t just have the option of video calling each other, but you can also share your computer screens for demonstrations. The Free Zoom account allows you to access meetings with 100 participants, but there’s a 40-minute cap on such meetings. Depending on the size of your enterprise or organization, you can also opt for the paid Pro, Business, or Enterprise plans. The biggest issue with Zoom, however, is a wide range of security and privacy concerns regarding the sale of personal data.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: macOS X, macOS 10.7+, Windows 10, Windows XP SP3+, Windows Vista SP1+, Windows 7, Windows 8, Ubuntu 12.04+, Mint 17.1+, Linux 6.4+, Oracle Linux 6.4+, CentOS 6.4+, Fedora 21+, OpenSUSE 13.2+, and ArchLinux 64-bit
• Phones: iOS 7.0+, Android 4.0x+
• Tablets: iPadOS 13+, Android 4.0x+, Kindle Fire HD, Surface Pro 2+
• Other Platforms: Amazon Alexa

3. FaceTime

FaceTime is the best video calling application for those interacting within an Apple ecosystem. As an Apple application, it’s only available in other Apple devices. However, it seamlessly allows you to FaceTime video call any of your contacts who also have Apple devices. With Group FaceTime, you can video call up to 32 people at once for no additional cost.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac OS X 10.7+
• Phones: iOS 7+
• Tablets: iPadOS+

4. WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging applications available. Since WhatsApp isn’t primarily made for video calls, it has a fairly rudimentary video call feature. You can video call a maximum of four people at once. However, initiating the group video call is pretty simple. You can create a group of four and hit the video call button. Alternatively, you can call one of your contacts and then add three more members. While WhatsApp’s video call feature is pretty basic, it makes up for that with accessibility because almost everyone is on WhatsApp.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac OS X 10.10+, Windows 8+, and WhatsApp Web
• Phones: Android 4.0.3+, iOS 9+, and KaiOS 2.5.1+
• Tablets: WhatsApp Web

5. Google Duo

Google Duo is Google’s native video call application. It allows you to place high-quality video calls from your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible smart displays. Google Duo, unlike all other video call platforms, is meant only for video and voice calls. You can either make video/voice calls, or you can send video/voice messages. But you can’t send text messages. You can hold group video calls and conferences with up to 12 people.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Duo for Web
• Phones: Android 4.1+ and iOS 9.0+
• Tablets: Duo for Web
• Other Platforms: Google Home Hub, Lenovo Smart Display, and JBL Link View

6. Houseparty

Houseparty is a “face-to-face social network platform.” It’s a video call app that’s meant to be used by a group of friends and not in an official capacity. With Houseparty, you can hold group video calls with several people together. The application also includes a wide range of party games that you can enjoy. As such, Houseparty is the perfect video call app to socialize with your friends while social distancing.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac OS X 10.11+ and Chrome Browser
• Phones: iOS 9.0+ and Android 4.4+
• Tablets: iOS 9.0+

7. Slack Video Conference

Slack is a popular application used by workstations for online communications. It allows you to create groups and tasks for different users across the enterprise. Slack video conference allows you to communicate with multiple members simultaneously, and you can also share your screen to show what you’re working on.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac, Windows, and Linux
• Phones and Tablets: iOS 11.1+ and Android 5.0+

8. Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is yet another Google platform that’s often used by workspaces and offices for video conferences and group chats. However, Google Hangouts isn’t very popular, and it never really took off strongly enough to gain a footing.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Chrome Browser
• Phones and Tablets: iOS 10.0+ and Android

9. Join.Me

Join.Me is a video conference and meeting platform with which you can either start or join a meeting. Once you start a meeting, you can share the link for a specific time and have your employees join the meeting through that link. The app also provides screen sharing features, which allows you to demonstrate on your computer by sharing the screen. It also has a whiteboard feature with which you can create illustrations and graphics to demonstrate points. Furthermore, you can also swap the presenter so different people can take turns presenting during the meeting.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac OS X 10.10+ and Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
• Phones and Tablets: iOS 10.0+ and Android 5.0+

10. BlueJeans

BlueJeans is a video conferencing and screen sharing application for digital workstations. With this application, you can set up video conferences, group discussions, video chats with individuals, event live streams, and meetings. You can also share your screen with others to make demonstrations and utilize various other professional features. There’s no free version available, but the standard version can host up to 50 participants.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac, Windows, Linux (RPM), and Linux (DEB)
• Phones and Tablets: iOS 11.0+ and Android 6.0+

11. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is a web-hosted platform for online meetings, video conferences, and screen sharing. It allows you to instantly join meetings using any devices. You can also turn your conferences into engaging collaboration centers with a range of tools to enhance engagement. Depending on the package you subscribe to, the application can have between 150 to 3,000 participants. As such, it’s an extremely scalable platform for large enterprises.

Supported Platforms:

• Computers: Mac OS X 10.9+, Windows 7+, Linux/Ubuntu, and Google Chrome OS
• Phones and Tablets: iOS 11.0+ and Android 5.0+

Conclusion

As you can see, you have a lot of options when it comes to holding video calls and conference calls on TV with friends, family, or colleagues.

The easiest way to video call on TV is to use a Smart TV with an integrated camera or purchase a web camera for your TV which can be a cost efficient way to do it. However, if you have a Smart TV or a Smart TV device like Amazon Fire Stick, you can also cast your phone or laptop’s screen to your TV without making any additional expenditures.

I hope this article has shown you all of the different options you have to video call on TV. Stay safe and happy social distancing!