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A simple guide to starting a video chat with your Snapchat friends
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Did you know you can now video chat with friends on Snapchat? Thanks to a recent update, you can now use video calls or voice calls to keep in touch with others. When someone video calls you, they won't be able to see your video until you pick up. You can even turn your camera or microphone off, if desired. This wikiHow will show you how to video chat and voice call someone on Snapchat using your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Things You Should Know

  • Tap the "Chat" icon and tap a friend you want to call. Tap the camera icon (video call) or phone icon (voice call) in the top-right corner.
  • When you start a video call, the other user can see your video before they join the call.
  • Use the icons below to toggle your camera, use video filters, and adjust your microphone.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Starting a Video Chat

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  1. This looks like white ghost on a yellow background. If you aren't already logged in , tap Log in to do so now.
  2. This is the text box icon on the bottom toolbar, to the left of the camera.
    • You'll see a list of all your recently messaged friends.
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  3. This will open your chat log.
  4. This will be next to a phone icon.
    • A pop-up menu will open.
  5. This is the grey button. Your video call will begin.
    • As you wait for your friend to pick up, they will be able to see your video. [1]
  6. You'll see icons at the bottom of the screen.
    • Camera : toggle your camera off and on
    • Two turning arrows : toggle between the front camera and back camera
    • Microphone : mute or unmute your microphone
    • Speaker : toggle speaker on and off
    • Smiley face : select and use a filter
    • If you want to hang up, tap the red phone icon in the top-right corner.
  7. When a friend starts a video call with you, you'll see their video, but they won't be able to see you yet.
    • Tap Join to join the video chat, or tap Not Now to dismiss the notification.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Starting a Voice Call

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  1. This looks like white ghost on a yellow background. If you aren't already logged in, tap Log in to do so now.
  2. This is the text box icon on the bottom toolbar, to the left of the camera.
    • You'll see a list of all your recently messaged friends.
  3. This will open your chat log.
  4. This will be next to a camera icon.
    • Your voice call will begin. You'll see both your Bitmoji in place of video.
    • When your friend joins, you can begin talking.
  5. You'll see icons at the bottom of the screen.
    • Camera : toggle your camera off and on. When this is disabled, you will not be able to toggle your front/back camera or use video filters.
    • Two turning arrows : toggle between the front camera and back camera
    • Microphone : mute or unmute your microphone
    • Speaker : toggle speaker on and off
    • Smiley face : select and use a filter
    • If you want to hang up, tap the red phone icon in the top-right corner.
  6. When a friend starts a voice call with you, you'll see a notification with their Bitmoji.
    • Tap Join to join the voice call, or tap Not Now to dismiss the notification.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it possible to just do an audio chat without video?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately there is no way to do this on Snapchat currently.
  • Question
    How do I get the filters to work while on face chat?
    Community Answer
    You hold the circle, then swipe the list to choose a filter.
  • Question
    What does the blue camera with a blue arrow pointing right mean after an unanswered video call?
    Community Answer
    It means the outgoing Snapchat video call was unanswered. It is like when you send a chat and there is a blue arrow that hollows out when the person reads it.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can use Snapchat to video chat with up to 15 friends at a time. To start a video chat, open Snapchat and swipe left to the Chats screen. Tap the conversation with the person or people you want to chat with. Or, if you want to create a new group chat, tap the New Message icon at the top-right, and then select New Group to add recipients. Once you've opened an individual or group chat, tap the video camera icon to place a video call. When a friend taps Join on your request, the video call will begin. If your friend doesn't want to share their own video, they'll also have the option to select Watch , which makes it so they can see you while maintaining privacy. Snapchat uses your front camera by default, but you can always switch cameras by double-tapping the screen. While chatting, you can tap the smiley face at the bottom of the screen to open the Lens carousel and select one of Snapchat's signature Lenses, or tap the gallery icon to share an image. To minimize the chat, just swipe down—you can make the chat full-screen again by tapping it. When you're ready to end the chat, tap the video camera icon to disconnect.

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