Video chat is an important part of Internet culture. It’s a great way to connect with the people who matter to us, wherever they are in the world. Of course, access to the best video chat apps is also essential, and while there are many options out there, only a few are considered well-designed and easy to use, with all the key features provided.

Here you can consider several video chat services, most of which are available not only on iOS and Android platforms, but also on desktop.

1. Skype (Free Android, iOSand desktop)

Skype is the pioneer of video chat applications and has steadily grown in registered users since the first public beta released in 2003. The service is deeply ingrained in the spirit of the online chatter, and the name has become a verb almost everyone recognizes – “I’ll Skype you!” means you will see each other’s faces on your chosen device. If they’re not available, that’s okay – you can leave them a video message.

Skype has enabled group video for some time now, allowing you to chat with up to 25 people via webcam, making it a valuable tool to bridge the gaps between coworkers, friends and loved ones.

2. Hangouts (Free Android, iOSand desktop)

Hangouts is an instant messaging and video chat platform developed by Google – even that fact should be enough to give you an idea of ​​the many things you can do with the service. You can video chat up to ten people for free over both Wi-Fi and mobile networks, share your desktop screen, stick stickers on faces, and share photos, among other things.

3. Facebook Messenger (Free Android, iOS and desktop)

Messenger is Facebook’s very powerful chat client. While it has all the features you would want in a text messaging app, including text grouping and the ability to use integrated services like Giphy and Uber within the app, its video calling functionality is simple to use and reliable. The best part of Messenger? Almost everyone is on Facebook and therefore the app is available via video calling as long as they are on their device or the website is open in their Web browser. (If you don’t want to deal with the information overload that Facebook usually brings, you can contact your friends. Messenger’s private website.)

Oh, and if that’s not good enough, Facebook recently updated Messenger so it’s finally make group video callsSkype and Hangouts were the only things keeping Messenger from being the best video chat app.

4. ooVoo (Free Android, iOSand desktop)

Like previous services, ooVoo allows you to video chat one-on-one or with a group of up to 12 people simultaneously for free. By sending text, GIFs, photos and videos while a real video call is in progress, it allows you to have a dynamic interaction with the people you are talking to from anywhere in the world, regardless of platform or platform, with a good Internet or mobile network connection. the device on which they are using the service. Additionally, ooVoo allows you to talk as your favorite avatar character, which you can try with your friends and buy from the ooVoo Store, or wear a mask during a video call.

Add some fun to your video calls with #ooVoo masks!

a post shared by ooVoo (@ooooo) on December 16, 2016 at 10:01 PST

5. Tango (Free Android and iOS)

Tango also lets you video call and leave video messages for free. You can also send animated stickers, add filters and masks. You can even play games with the person you are talking to during the call. Although it does not appear to be available on the desktop, it is very simple and straightforward to use.

6. Viber (Free Android, iOSand desktop)

Viber is another simple video chat platform that you can use on almost any device, including your desktop. Video calls are completely free as long as the person you’re talking to also has Viber installed. The interface is clean and user friendly.

7. FaceTime (Pre-installed on iOS and MacOS)

If you’re an Apple user, FaceTime should be your go-to service for video calling, just because it comes pre-installed on your iOS device at purchase, so no download is required. (FaceTime may not be available or appear on devices purchased or used in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.) Some important things to note, though: 1. People with iOS-only devices will be the only ones. You can video chat with and 2. You can video chat with only one person at a time. Having said that, using FaceTime is pretty easy and convenient.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujsq1nZAheQ

8. Camfrog (Free Android, iOSand desktop)

Finally, to round out this list, we have Camfrog, a service that lets you video chat privately not only with your friends and loved ones, but also with anyone within the Camfrog community. By joining any of the thousands of chat rooms you can connect with people around the world via video and allow you to make new friends online just like in the mIRC days. Be careful though, because some rooms allow explicit content that is NSFW.