Instagram is one of the leading social media platforms, allowing users to share photos and videos and connect with peers in real time via direct messages and video calls. Now you might ask: how do you make an Instagram video chat? This whole guide is just about it.
In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step tutorial on how to make one-on-one or group video calls with friends. Moreover, we’ll highlight some common user issues while video calling, solutions and more safety tips. Keep reading!
Can you video chat on Instagram?
Yes, Instagram offers a built-in video calling feature, allowing users to have face-to-face conversations with their loved ones.
Instagram indeed introduced the video chat feature in 2018 to make private conversations more interactive. It doesn’t launch this feature as a separate service; instead, it integrates it directly into Instagram Direct Messages.
Initially, it focused solely on one-on-one video calls, but later expanded to support group video calls for up to six people in response to growing demand for social and collaborative communication.
Requirements to use Instagram video chat:
- An active Instagram account
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
- The latest version of the Instagram app
- Appropriate privacy & messaging permissions enabled
According to an online platform use survey by the Pew Research Center, approximately 55% of American teenagers use Instagram every day. Instagram has become an integral part of teenagers’ daily social interactions, including activities such as messaging and video calls. Parents bear the responsibility to fully understand its features.
Clear guidance and parental controls for confident teen’s online interactions.
How to video chat on Instagram?
There’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to hosting an Instagram Live video call, whether on mobile or desktop.
On iOS & Android
- Open Instagram app and tap the Messenger icon.
- Tap the video camera icon.
- Scroll through the list of ’Suggested friends‘ or enter a username under Invite to Video Chat. You’ll also see suggested Facebook friends you can video chat with, even if they have no Instagram account.
- Tap a person to invite them to your video chat.
- When you’re ready, tap Start to begin your video chat.
- During your video chat, you can tap ‘Effects’ to add fun filters and effects.
- Click the Minimize button in the top-left corner (looks like a square within a square). This will minimize the video chat, and you can continue browsing Instagram.
- Finally, tap the cross icon X to end a video chat.
On desktop
You can also have video chat on a laptop or PC after logging in your Instagram account. Then, access the DM directly in your browser and start a video call just as you would in the mobile app. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your PC is connected to a secure, stable Internet connection. Sign in your Instagram on web page.
- Click the “DM” icon > “conversation” tab. This will open your followers list, and you select the one to call.
- Once you have selected the individual you want to call, simply hit the “Video” or “Phone” icon next to their name. That’s all! It’ll start the Instagram call.
Limitations:
- Internet problems may disrupt your call.
- Unable to check the details of your calls, such as call logs, when offline.
How to make a group video chat on Instagram?
There are two ways to start a group video call. Note that you can a Instagram video call with up to 6.
From an existing group chat:
Like most messaging services, Instagram also lets you create group chats and text up to 250 people at once. If you have an existing group chat, open it and tap the video call icon in the top-right.
From an individual chat
- Open the Instagram app > tap the message icon > video chat icon.
- Now search for the username you want to chat or open existing chat.
- Tap the video call icon to start the call. Once the call starts, tap the two-person icon and invite others.
Unlocking richer Instagram video chat features
Filters and camera effects: Instagram lets users make their video calls creative or lively by adding special effects. For instance, you can apply Color filters, add touch-up, change your video Background or many more, bringing fun and entertainment.
- Take multitasking: It also allows you to shrink the video call screen; this way you can simultaneously continue your browsing. Without ending your call, you can check your messages or interact with other content.
- Watch together” feature: While video calling with friends or colleagues, you can share your screen. This way, all the participants watch together the content, creating an engaging atmosphere beyond just talking.
- Managing participants: Similarly, Instagram also enables the video call host to manage the participants. For instance, they can mute them to reduce background noise and can also remove any participant for privacy. This way let you maintain a comfortable or secure atmosphere for all.
Can you record Instagram video calls?
Actually, no. Instagram doesn’t offer any official built-in feature to record or download video calls.
You can use third-party screen recording tools to do this. However, recording private conversations without others’ consent is against ethics or may also raise legal issues. That’s why it’s best to ask for permission before attempting any type of recording.
Troubleshooting Instagram video chat issues & fixes
Sometimes, while video calling on Instagram, users may encounter issues that can disrupt their experience. In this section, we’ll first highlight common problems users face and then provide clear solutions to help fix them quickly.
Instagram video chat is not working
If your Instagram video chat button may not respond, calls may fail to start, or the video calling option may not appear at all, try out the following solutions!
- Check if your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) is available and stable. If the issue continues, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test if the call works.
- Update Instagram via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) if available.
- Restart your device: Hold the power button and select Restart or Reboot. Open Instagram again and try initiating a video call.
- Clear cache / Reinstall the app: On Android, Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS: Delete the app and reinstall from the App Store.
Audio or video quality problems
Similarly, an inability to see or hear the other person during a call is irritating, here are some fixes to try on!
- Check permissions: Open Settings and select the Apps section. From here, tap Instagram > Permissions, enable Microphone and Camera access.
- Test device hardware: There may be an issue with your device’s camera or microphone. To confirm this, open another app (like Camera or Voice Recorder), if these also do not function properly, you need to go to a retail shop.
- Mute / Unmute settings: In addition, while calling, tap the microphone icon to unmute yourself. Ask other participants to do the same if you cannot hear them.
When Instagram crashes during video chat
Sometimes Instagram may suddenly close or freeze during call, go for the following fixes.
- Free up device memory: Close other apps running in the background. Clear unused files or apps if your device storage is low.
- Update the app and OS: Make sure Instagram and your device’s operating system are up to date.
- Reinstall Instagram: Furthermore, it’s best to delete the app and reinstall it to, this will surely fix corrupted files or glitches.
Managing and deleting video chat history/media
Instagram also lets you manage your video chat history for privacy purposes. For instance:
- To delete specific messages or media: Open the chat thread tap and hold the message or media, then select Unsend or Delete.
- To clear the entire conversation: Swipe left (iOS) or tap the three-dot menu (Android) on a chat thread. Select Delete to remove the entire conversation from your inbox.
Best practices to ensure privacy and safety on Instagram video chat
Although Instagram offers a fun way to connect, it may raise some concerns. Strangers’ interaction is one, if you ignore the privacy settings, especially for youth. Some safety tips we hope are useful:
- Manage who can contact you: Go to Settings > Privacy > Messages to control who can send you DMs or call you. Furthermore, Instagram allows filtering messages from unknown contacts into a separate folder, keeping your main inbox safe.
- Report and block inappropriate interactions: If someone sends you annoying messages on Instagram, you can instantly report them. Open the chat > tap the three-dot menu, and select Report. Instagram reviews reports and can restrict, block, or remove the offending account.
- Recognize and avoid scammers: Remember “too good to be true.” Never share personal information. Some DM messages may contain suspicious links that could steal your sensitive information; trust your instincts and avoid clicking them.
- Enable two-factor authentication: To add an extra layer of security, you can activate two-factor authentication feature on Instagram. It restricts any third party from accessing your app without your consent.
Parental guidance and monitoring for teens’ interactions
When it comes to teens, parents need to be extravagant because they, because of their immaturity, are more vulnerable to online scams. According to Meta’s official introduction, it offers more than 30 tools and features to help support teens and their parents.
However, an independent study evaluating Instagram’s safety features for underage users found that approximately 64% of protective measures failed to function effectively, indicating that parents and users still need to carefully configure and understand the platform’s safety options.
Here are some actionable parental tips!
- Open communication, encourage trusted connections: Communication is always the best approach; encourage your child to share their Instagram activities. Sit with your kids and show interest in their digital world. While talking, make them aware of online stranger danger.
- Teach critical thinking and digital literacy: Make sure your children know how to adjust privacy settings and report uncomfortable interactions or any offensive message.
- Use parental control tools: FlashGet Kids parental controls offer extra layer of protections, working as parents’ assistance. It allows parents to keep an eye on their children’s social media activity, manage child’s device usage and limit screen time, help block risky apps or mature sites.
Bottom line
In summary, Instagram video chat provides a convenient way to stay connected with friends or family in real-time. You can easily start one-on-one and even make a group video call with up to 8 people. By understanding its features like privacy settings or reporting, you can ensure privacy, safety, and mindful digital behavior.
