Facebook Video Calling: Get Started, Adjust Privacy Settings

06.07.2011
Today Facebook announced three new features: group chat, which lets you message with multiple people in one window; an updated chat interface that takes into account your browser size; and its most anticipated feature, video calling. All three will be rolling out to users over the next several weeks.

Facebook's video calling, which is powered by Skype, is surprisingly easy to install and use--exactly what CEO Mark Zuckerberg said was their goal in designing and integrating the new feature.

All users will have access to video calling soon, but if you want to get started now, visit to download the client. Video calling works best with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari, according to Facebook. Note that video calling for Linux is not currently supported, and mobile integrations are not yet available.

Once the integration is complete, you can find the video chat feature in two places. For one, scroll to the bottom of your Facebook page where you'll find the Chat bar.

Much like you would to start a chat session with a friend, you click on a name to open a new chat window. To initiate the video call, click the video icon next to your friend's name. A box will pop up on your friend's screen and they'll hear a ringing tone, alerting them of an incoming video chat request. The video chat will start once they accept the invitation.

You can also invite a friend to a video call by clicking a "Call" button that will appear on your friends' profiles once they have access to the feature, between the Message and Poke buttons.