Coronavirus: Best video chatting apps for staying in touch during UK lockdown

Here is a look at some of the best apps for getting in contact with friends and family when you cannot be in the same room.

Zoom

A video-conferencing app which has risen to prominence during the coronavirus outbreak.

With a free version that supports up to 100 participants in a video-call with a 40-minute time limit, the app has quickly become a way not only for workers to stay in contact, but for families and even the largest social groups to gather virtually.

It can be used for free on PC.

Houseparty

A social network combined with group video-calling, Houseparty allows users to play games with friends on video-chats, as well as share their screen as they would if sending a screenshot on a messaging app.

The new app can also alert you when contacts come online so organising socialising is a much smoother process.

The app is free to download on iOS and Android.

Google Hangouts

Very good for getting a video-chat off the ground quickly, Hangouts is linked to your Google account, so if you're an Android or Gmail user, it's likely a lot of your contacts will be quickly accessible for free video-calls.

It can be used on PC, iOS and Android.

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Skype

The original video-calling platform, Skype will be the best option for many as even the less technology-savvy members of the family are likely to have an account.

Voice and video-call options are available, as is an instant messaging feature.

Skype is accessible from PC as well as on both iOS and Android mobile devices.

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FaceTime

People who own any Apple devices – such as iPhone or iPad – are able to use FaceTime for video chats.

You can use it over Wi-Fi or over mobile data.

FaceTime allows you to invite up to 32 participants to a group video chat.

It is available on iOS mobile devices.

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Facebook Messenger

You can make a video call on Facebook Messenger.

When opening a chat conversation there is a video icon – if you press that you can make a video call.

Messenger also allows you to make group video calls.

Facebook Messenger is available on iOS and Android mobile devices.

WhatsApp

The popular messaging app, which is owned by Facebook, also allows you to make video calls – as well as normal phone calls.

WhatsApp allows you to include up to four people in a group video call.

It is available on iOS and Android mobile devices.