Hello Dad! There's an app for that...

By Eye Geek

So, you're staying home (and rightly so) - but still want to socialise. As you'd expect - there’s an app for that. Actually probably more of than you know.

Video chat apps are, not surprisingly, clearly seeing a spike in popularity right now, and whether you’re thinking of using one to check in on a relative, have a virtual party, chat with absent colleagues or simply saying hi to friends, here’s our pick of our favourites.

SKYPE

The granddaddy of video chat got its original fame as a way to make free calls overseas. It’s now owned by Microsoft, which has shifted Skype from the old targets of family usage to business. Microsoft now touts starting a meeting with Skype “in 3 simple clicks,” that doesn’t require registration from other participants. Unlike competitors such as Messenger and FaceTime, you don’t use the Skype of today to add in funny stickers and GIFs on your face during a call, but instead, just focus on communication. How many people can be on a video call: 50

FACEBOOK MESSENGER

You no longer have to be signed up to Facebook to use Messenger, which offers video calling for up to 50 people at once. Yep, 50. Basically while this sounds amazing on paper you’ll need to stick to waving and yelling or silly dancing. What’s great with facebook is that app-averse relatives can access it via desktop computer too.

WHATSAPP

The app used most often in the world for free texts, with a huge international audience. How many people can be on a video chat call: 4.

GOOGLE DUO

Here’s an answer for those who don’t want to worry about whether your friends are Apple or Android. Duo works with both platforms and goes beyond just phones. Duo video calling is also built into the Nest Hub video display units from Google as well and Google has tools to answer Duo calls on the computer. How many people can be on a call: 8.

Houseparty

The app that targets teens for group video chat is now owned by Epic Games, the makers of the hugely popular Fortnite game. This popular social networking service enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Users receive a notification when friends are online and available to group video chat. How many people can be on a call: 8.

ZOOM

If you’re working from home for the foreseeable future, it’s likely you’re going to be getting a lot more comfortable with Zoom, video conferencing service du jour. The basic Zoom app is free to use. However, the free version has a 40-minute session limit. How many people can be on a video call: 100 for free, or more with a paid plan.