Facebook video calling allows users to make video calls to other Facebook users through the Facebook Messenger app. This provides a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family around the world.
One of the main questions people have about Facebook video calling is whether or not it is free to make international calls. The answer is yes – Facebook video calls are free no matter where in the world the person you are calling is located.
How Facebook Video Calling Works
Facebook video calling uses your phone or computer’s internet connection rather than the cellular network to make calls. As long as both you and the person you are calling have a strong internet connection, the video quality will be good.
The calls are made through the Facebook Messenger app, which you can download for free on your iOS, Android, Windows or Mac device. As long as both people have the Messenger app installed, you can make free video calls between any two devices.
Facebook handles the internet calling technology in the background so the process is seamless. All you need to do is open your Messenger app, select the contact you want to call and tap the video icon.
Countries Supported by Facebook Video Calling
Facebook video calling works between any two countries worldwide. This includes calls between:
- United States and Canada
- United States and United Kingdom
- United States and India
- United States and Australia
- United States and Mexico
- And any other country combinations
The main requirement is that both callers have internet access and the Messenger app. As long as those criteria are met, you can make free video calls to anyone else who uses Facebook, regardless of where they are.
Call Quality
The video quality you experience on a Facebook call depends on a few factors:
- The internet speeds of both callers – Faster internet means higher quality calls
- Whether you’re using WiFi or cellular data – WiFi generally provides better call quality
- Device capabilities – Newer smartphones and computers tend to have better cameras and processors for video calling
That said, Facebook’s video calling technology is designed to provide a good experience even on slower internet speeds. The video automatically adjusts quality based on the available bandwidth.
On 3G networks you can expect smooth video calling at around 480p resolution. With 4G or WiFi the video jumps to 720p HD quality or higher. Even on slower 2G networks the video calling experience is optimized to avoid lag and glitches.
Data Usage
When making Facebook video calls on a mobile device, data usage will vary depending on your internet connection speed and the quality of the call. However, Facebook uses an efficient video codec so calls use less data than you might expect.
Here are some rough estimates for mobile data usage based on connection speeds:
| Connection Speed | Data Usage Per Minute |
|---|---|
| 2G | 0.5 – 1 MB |
| 3G | 1 – 3 MB |
| 4G/LTE | 2 – 8 MB |
As you can see, even high quality video calls over LTE use less than 10MB per minute. For comparison, streaming high definition video can use 650MB per minute or more.
Using WiFi will provide the best call quality without using your mobile data allowance. When on cellular data, Facebook video calling is optimized to minimize data usage.
Extra Features
Facebook Messenger includes a few additional features to enhance the video calling experience:
- Group calls – You can video call up to 8 people simultaneously by creating a group call.
- Filters and AR – Overlay fun filters, effects and AR masks during your video calls.
- Backgrounds – Customize your background to show a picture or video instead of your actual background.
So not only can you stay in touch face-to-face with friends around the world, you can have fun with video call effects if you want!
Calling Non-Facebook Users
If the person you want to call doesn’t have a Facebook account, you have a couple options:
- Ask them to sign up for Facebook – this allows them to use Messenger
- Use the standalone Messenger app – they can create a Messenger account without a Facebook account
- Suggest a different calling app you both have access to
The easiest way is to have them sign up for Facebook or Messenger. But if they don’t want to create an account, you can connect via Skype, WhatsApp or whatever other calling app you both use.
Pros of Facebook Video Calling
Here are some of the main benefits of using Facebook Messenger for video calls:
- Totally free – no per minute charges or subscription fees
- Works globally – connect with people in other countries
- Good call quality – smooth HD video, even on slower connections
- Easy to use – simple interface within the Messenger app
- Fun features – like filters, AR masks and backgrounds
For many people, the biggest draw is the ability to make free video calls internationally. The convenience of staying in touch with global friends and family makes Facebook Messenger a top choice for video calling.
Other Pros
Some other advantages of Facebook video calls include:
- Works across different devices like smartphones, tablets and computers
- Can switch easily between voice and video with one tap
- Syncs across devices so you can answer calls on whatever device is most convenient
- Integrated with Facebook so easier to connect with existing contacts
Cons of Facebook Video Calling
Facebook video calling does have some downsides and limitations:
- Only works between Facebook users – can’t call people without Facebook accounts
- Video quality depends on internet connection – calls may lag or get pixelated
- No desktop app – can only make calls through mobile or browser
- Max of 8 participants on group calls – other apps allow more participants
The biggest issue is that both parties need Facebook accounts to use Messenger video calling. For maximum compatibility, you may need to use a more universal calling app.
Other Cons
Some other potential drawbacks include:
- No call recording option
- Can’t share your screen during calls
- Smaller maximum group size compared to apps like Skype
- Occasional bugs or glitches
While Facebook calling works very well overall, there are some features and capabilities not included that other video chat apps have.
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger provides a very convenient way to make free HD video calls with anyone else who has a Facebook account, regardless of what country they live in.
The call quality is generally very good as long as both parties have decent internet access. Plus fun features like AR masks, filters and virtual backgrounds make calls more engaging.
However, you can only call other Facebook users. If the person you want to call hasn’t joined Facebook, you’ll need to use a different calling app that doesn’t require an account like Skype or WhatsApp.
For staying in touch with friends, family and contacts worldwide who are on Facebook, Messenger video calling is an excellent free option. But it does have certain limitations to be aware of.
Overall, Facebook video calling international is free, easy to use and works well. It provides a great way to connect face-to-face with your global contacts who are also on Facebook. With more than 2 billion users worldwide, chances are most of your friends already have Facebook accounts making Messenger a very convenient video calling choice.