Video Chat with Facebook Friends: 5 Top Apps

Staying Connected: Video Chat on Facebook

For many, Facebook serves as the primary platform for maintaining connections with friends and family. It simplifies communication by allowing users to locate individuals using their real names, rather than managing numerous screen names.

Relocating to New York City prompted an exploration of video chat as a means of staying in touch. While instant messaging and email have traditionally sufficed, video calls offer a more personal touch, particularly when distance creates a longing for familiar faces.

Enhancing Facebook Chat with External Apps

The ideal scenario combines the convenience of Facebook with the visual connection of video chat. This can be achieved by integrating third-party applications with Facebook's chat functionality.

This article details the necessary software applications that enable video chatting within the Facebook environment, bridging the gap between social networking and face-to-face communication.

Exploring Video Chat Applications for Facebook

Several applications facilitate video chat directly through Facebook. These tools extend the platform’s capabilities, providing a richer communication experience.

• Consider exploring options that seamlessly integrate with your existing Facebook account.
• Look for apps that offer reliable video quality and user-friendly interfaces.
• Prioritize applications that respect your privacy and data security.

By utilizing these applications, users can enjoy the benefits of video communication without leaving the familiar Facebook interface.

1. Tinychat

Let's begin with an examination of Tinychat. While commonly recognized as an independent video conferencing platform, many are unaware of its integration with Facebook.

As of the current date, the Tinychat application boasts a user base exceeding 2 million individuals on Facebook. This application enables video conversations with a maximum of twelve participants, effectively supporting small group discussions.

Utilizing the platform is straightforward; simply navigate to Tinychat’s official Facebook page and adhere to the provided instructions for connection and inviting contacts.

Key Features

• Group Video Chat: Supports up to 12 users simultaneously.
• Facebook Integration: Accessible directly through the Facebook platform.
• Ease of Use: Simple connection and invitation process.

The Tinychat Facebook application provides a convenient method for conducting video conferences within the familiar Facebook environment.

It offers a viable alternative for those seeking a group video chat solution directly integrated with their existing social network.

2. vChatter [No Longer Available]

The vChatter application, previously available on Facebook, provided a straightforward method for initiating connections with both existing friends and other users of the platform.

Within the client interface, friends could be located on the right-hand side, allowing for direct contact. Availability status was also clearly displayed.

Connecting with Others

For those seeking new interactions, vChatter facilitated random chats. This feature enabled users to meet and converse with individuals they hadn't previously known.

Users could opt to begin a conversation with a randomly selected person, expanding their social circle through the service.

The application aimed to simplify the process of finding and engaging with people on Facebook, offering both targeted and spontaneous communication options.

ChatVibes [No Longer Available]

ChatVibes was designed to integrate video calling functionality directly into Facebook Chat, addressing a need I personally identified.

The integration process involved downloading and executing the installer file. Users were then prompted to specify their preferred web browser – Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Firefox – to facilitate the installation of the necessary toolbar or extension.

Installation and Usage

Following successful installation, a small video icon would appear alongside the names of contacts who also had ChatVibes enabled.

Initiating a video conversation was as simple as clicking this icon next to a friend’s name. This allowed for immediate visual communication within the familiar Facebook interface.

The application opened the browser to the correct page for toolbar/extension download.

ChatVibes provided a streamlined method for adding video calls to existing Facebook conversations.

4. FriendCameo [No Longer Available]

If simultaneous conversations with three friends are desired, FriendCameo distinguishes itself from other video chat applications. This application provides a playful video communication experience, incorporating both video effects and interactive "funny photobooths".

The user interface of FriendCameo is particularly well-designed and intuitive. Initiating calls and extending invitations to friends is notably simple and straightforward.

It’s worth noting that FriendCameo is currently unavailable.

5. BandooChat

While perhaps not possessing the most refined aesthetic compared to other options, BandooChat is a functional and widely utilized application.

The platform maintains a display of your contacts on the right-hand side of the interface. Users receive notifications when friends are online and available to initiate a conversation.

Key Features

• Your own video feed is positioned in the bottom left corner.
• The video stream of the person you are communicating with is displayed prominently above.
• BandooChat also facilitates communication with individuals outside of your existing network.

This allows for the possibility of connecting with and chatting to random users.

Despite its simpler design, BandooChat provides a reliable means of video communication for many.

Final Thoughts

It appears Skype is poised to deliver a significantly enhanced video communication experience for Facebook users. However, until complete integration within the Facebook platform is achieved, the currently available Facebook chat applications provide ample functionality.

We invite you to share your preferred application in the comments section below.

Image Source: Supri Suharjoto