The Best Video Calling Apps of 2021
The pandemic brought significant changes to our daily lives, and one of the most significant impacts was the shift towards virtual communication. Video calling apps emerged as the frontrunners, both for personal and professional communication. In this article, we explore the top 5 video calling apps that have gained immense popularity in 2021.
1. Zoom
Zoom has been a sought-after video conferencing app since the pandemic began. Its user-friendly interface and extensive features meet the requirements of businesses, schools, and individuals alike. With Zoom, users can host meetings and webinars, share documents, record sessions, and collaborate through screen sharing. Zoom also has an attention tracking feature and the ability to schedule subsequent meetings easily.
2. Skype
Skype is an old and popular video calling app that’s been around for a decade. Skype offers both audio and video calling and allows users to chat with one another or in groups. Its features include screen sharing, call recording, and translation during calls. As the pandemic erupted, Microsoft made some significant alterations to Skype that now allow users to host video calls without creating an account or installing the app.
3. Google Meet
Google Meet is Google’s contribution to video conferencing, and it can host meetings swiftly by scheduling them via Google Calendar. A Google account is necessary to access Meet’s features, which include screen sharing, file sharing, and background replacement. Google Meet also includes features supportive of remote learning, such as breakout rooms and hand-raising.
4. Facetime
Facetime has been an exclusive app for Apple users, and it comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. Facetime is ideal for personal use and has features such as screen sharing, voice calls, and group video calls. With the latest updates to Facetime in iOS 15, the app now offers features like spatial audio, end-to-end encryption, and the ability to plan calls with friends in advance.
5. Whatsapp
Apart from being a messeging app, WhatsApp is also popular for video calls and group video calls. WhatsApp’s group video calling feature can host up to eight people. Additionally, WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring the security and privacy of the users.
Conclusion
The video conferencing market expanded dramatically in 2021, with many apps offering similar features and services. From the list above, it is evident that each app has something unique to offer its users. However, the most important feature of any video conferencing app is the security and privacy of the users. Understanding what each app offers and selecting the appropriate one based on individual requirements is crucial.
