10 Video Call Applications with 8 or More Participants

Without the video calling apps we would not have survived this time of isolation. They became an essential tool to communicate with our friends and family, to work remotely with our team or to give a boost in studies.

Perhaps before the quarantine you thought there were 3 or 4 apps for video calls, but you will have already realized that there are many. There are apps designed for video calls in the professional field, those for casual communications and those that add a bit of fun.

Sure you already have your favorite app, but we add more options to take into account. The only requirement of this selection is that the app supports at least 8 participants, so take a look at the following proposals.

index of contents

Zoom

Zoom has become the queen of video calls. A popularity that has not been without problems, but it cannot be denied that it offers everything that users want in an app of this style. Whether you want to communicate with your friends or create an event with hundreds of participants, Zoom seems to always be the right choice.

It allows adding up to 100 participants in its free version, with a limit of 40 minutes.
1 to 1 video calls have no time limit.
It has multiple functions to schedule meetings, manage the participation of the members, personalized backgrounds, different view designs, among other options.
It has a web version and apps for iOS and Android.

Google Duo

This is one of Google's free offerings for users looking for options to make video calls. It's easy to use and has all the features you need whether it's for 1-to-1 video calls or improvising a group session with friends or family.

It allows adding up to 12 participants without a time limit.
It has smart features like video preview, mode that improves lighting in low light, sending video messages, among other options.
You can make video calls from its web version or from the iOS or Android app. And you can use them on Google Nest smart displays.

Everyone is used to the dynamics of WhatsApp, it is already a reflex action to open the app to communicate with our friends and family. So it will be the perfect solution for those who do not want to install more apps on their device or learn new settings.

Allows you to make video calls with up to 8 members (essential that all have the latest version installed).
Video calls are available in its app for iOS and Android.
Basic options to manage the meeting.

Facetime

This is an excellent option if you are looking for proposals within the Apple ecosystem, although you will be limited in the contacts that you can include in your virtual meeting. You can start a video call both from your app and from the Apple messages application.

Supports up to 32 people for video calls.
Effects to become animoji, stickers, camera change, among other options.
You can use it from any device with iOS 12.1 or later.

Houseparty

Houseparty became one of the favorite apps during the coronavirus crisis. It not only allows you to make a video call with our friends or family, but it also adds that extra fun. So you will avoid awkward silences or the typical question What do we do now?

Video calls with up to 8 participants.
Games to play in groups, such as Chips and Guac, Pictionari, Who's Who.
More content can be accessed through in-app purchases.
It has versions for iOS, Android, macOS and extension for Chrome.

Discord

It is not an option for those looking for a casual application or to communicate with the grandmother, but this server-based app is ideal for spending time with your gaming friends, colleagues or family open to new options. You can apply different tricks and settings.

It allows group video calls of up to 50 people (temporarily due to the coronavirus).
You can add bots, share screen, play with your friends, among multiple options.
Available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Or you can simply opt for its web version.

Google Meet

This app (image at the beginning of the article) is designed for a more professional environment. Before it was only available to those who had a G Suite account, but now it is available for free to everyone just by having an email address.

It allows you to add up to 100 participants in a video call, with a limit of 60 minutes in its free version.
It has features such as noise cancellation, lighting enhancements, and real-time subtitles.
Provides options to moderate member participation and does not allow anonymous users.
Available on the web, iOS and Android.

Skype

If we talk about the classic apps for video calls, you cannot miss Skype, now owned by Microsoft. It has a combination of cool features that allow the video calling environment to be as simple or complex as the group needs.

Supports up to 10 participants in video calls, and up to 25 in audio calls.
It has functions such as real-time translations, screen sharing, blurring the background in portrait mode, call recording, among others.
You can make video calls from its web version, apps for iOS or Android, or using its desktop versions.

Jitsi Meet

This is a free and open source option owned by the company 8 × 8. It has a very simple dynamic, you just need to create a room to invite others to join our video conference.

There are no limits on the number of participants.
You do not need to create an account or register.
It has some display and moderation options.
It has apps for iOS and Android, although it can also make video calls from its web version or integrate it with Slack.

Facebook Messenger and Messenger Room

If you want to communicate with your Facebook friends or your family members who are already on the social network, this is your best option. It does not require any additional configuration, and you will enjoy all the functions of the Facebook ecosystem.

It allows up to 50 participants in video chats, but only 6 will be able to appear on camera while the rest will only have access to the microphone.
Option available in mobile apps and desktop versions.

On the other hand, the new Facebook proposal is Messenger Room, which will be available in the coming weeks:

Up to 50 participants without a time limit.
It will not be necessary for participants to have a Facebook account.
Video calls can be started from your computer or mobile.
You can create open or private sessions.

Other news about… Android, iOS