How to Use Instagram Video Chat

Remember when Instagram was just square photos with heavy filters and edgy captions?
Fast-forward to today and the app is basically a communication Swiss Army knife.
One of its best tools: Instagram video chat. Whether you’re catching up
with a friend, doing a quick face-to-face with your team, or helping your mom find the
settings menu (again), video chat lets you do it without leaving the app.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use Instagram video chat, from
basic one-on-one calls to group calls, screen sharing, fun filters, and smart privacy
settings. We’ll also walk through some real-life tips and experiences at the end so you
can avoid awkward tech fails and make every call feel smoother and more intentional.

What Is Instagram Video Chat?

Instagram video chat is Instagram’s built-in video calling feature inside Direct Messages
(DMs). Instead of jumping to another app, you can start a video call directly from a chat
with one person or a group. It works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and there’s typically no
hard time limityour conversation can go on as long as your battery (and social energy)
lasts.

You can:

• Start one-on-one video calls with friends, family, or colleagues.
• Join or start group video chats with multiple people.
• Watch posts and Reels together while you talk in a call.
• Use filters and effects to make calls more fun (or to hide the fact that you’re in pajamas).
• Share your screen to show something on your device during the call.

Before You Start: What You Need

1. A Compatible Device and Updated App

Instagram video chat works on most modern iOS and Android devices. Make sure you:

• Have the latest version of the Instagram app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Are logged into your account and can access your Direct Messages (DMs).

2. A Stable Internet Connection

Because video calls rely on real-time audio and video, a strong Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connection
makes a big difference. If your video keeps freezing or your voice sounds like a robot,
try:

• Switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi (or vice versa).
• Moving closer to your router.
• Closing other apps that may be using bandwidth.

3. Camera and Microphone Permissions

Instagram must be allowed to use your camera and microphone for video chat to work.
If people can’t see or hear you:

• On your phone, open Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications).
• Find Instagram.
• Under Permissions, make sure Camera and Microphone are enabled.

4. Notifications (Optional but Helpful)

If you want to receive calls like a normal phone call, turn on Instagram’s push
notifications for calls and messages in both:

• Your phone’s system notification settings.
• Instagram settings: Profile > Menu > Settings > Notifications.

5. Basic Privacy and Safety Settings

Instagram gives you several tools to control who can message or call you. You can:

• Set your account to Private so only approved followers can interact.
• Control who can send you message requests or add you to groups.
• Block, restrict, or report accounts that make you uncomfortable.

For teens and younger users, Instagram now includes extra protections, like limiting who
can DM them by default and pushing stronger safety settings when they sign up. Parents
and caregivers can also explore Instagram’s safety guides to help teens use video chat
more safely.

How to Start a One-on-One Instagram Video Chat

Let’s start with the basics: a simple video call with one person. The steps are nearly
identical on iOS and Android.

Step-by-Step: Starting a Video Call

1. Open Instagram on your phone and make sure you’re logged into the right account.
2. Tap the Messages (DM) icon in the top right of your Feed. This looks like
   a paper airplane or Messenger bubble, depending on your version.
3. From your chat list, choose the conversation with the person you want to call. If you
   haven’t messaged them before, tap the New message button and search for
   their username.
4. Inside the chat, tap the video camera icon in the top-right corner to
   start a video call.
5. The other person will receive a call notification. Once they answer, you’re live on video.

During the call, you can mute yourself, turn your camera off, switch between front and rear
cameras, or end the call with on-screen controls at the bottom.

How to Join an Incoming Video Call

When someone calls you on Instagram:

• You’ll see a call notification pop up on your screen (if notifications are enabled).
• Tap Accept to join the video chat.
• Tap Decline if you’re busy or don’t want to answer.

If you miss it, the call usually appears as a missed call in your chat, and you can tap
the video icon to call back when you’re ready.

How to Use Group Video Chat on Instagram

Group video chat is ideal for virtual hangouts, quick team check-ins, or planning events.
Instagram lets you video chat with multiple people at once directly from a group DM.

Starting a Group Video Chat

1. Open Instagram and tap the Messages icon in the top-right of the Feed.
2. Either:
   • Tap an existing group chat, or
   • Create a new group by tapping New message, selecting multiple people, and starting a group DM.
3. In the group chat, tap the video camera icon at the top to start a group call.
4. Everyone in the group receives a call notification and can choose to join.
5. Once in the call, you’ll see tiles for each participant, and you can mute yourself or turn off your camera just like in a one-on-one call.

Some versions of Instagram and related Meta tools may also offer “Rooms” or larger
video spaces via Facebook Messenger integration. These features can change over time,
so always check the latest options in your DMs and settings if you need bigger group
calls.

Fun Features in Instagram Video Chat

Use Filters and Effects

Why appear as your normal, slightly tired self when you can show up as a sparkly
outer-space avocado? During an Instagram video chat, you can:

• Tap Effects or Filters to browse available looks.
• Tap an effect or filter to apply it to your face in real time.
• Search for more effects if you want something very specific (like cat ears or retro VHS vibes).

Filters are great for breaking the ice, hiding messy hair, or making casual calls feel
fun and lighthearted.

Watch Posts and Reels Together

One of Instagram’s more social features is the ability to watch posts and Reels
together inside a call. This is perfect for reacting to memes, travel clips, or
pet videos in real time.

In many versions of the app, you can:

• Start a video chat.
• Use the options in the call interface to open posts or Reels.
• View the content while still seeing each other on video.

If the feature isn’t available in your region or app version, make sure your app is fully
updated and check Instagram’s Help Center for the latest details.

Share Your Screen

Screen sharing is incredibly useful when you’re:

• Helping someone troubleshoot a setting on their phone.
• Showing designs, slides, or documents directly from your device.
• Walking a friend through booking tickets, filling out a form, or using another app.

In many newer versions of Instagram:

1. Start a video chat from a DM.
2. Tap Share screen at the bottom of the call interface.
3. Confirm Start now to begin sharing your screen.
4. Navigate around your phone as needed while the call continues in a small window.
5. Tap Stop sharing in the call controls when you’re done.

Keep in mind that everything on your screen may be visible while sharingso close any
personal apps or notifications first.

Managing Calls Like a Pro

Mute, Camera Off, and Switching Cameras

During a call, you’ll see controls near the bottom of the screen:

• Microphone icon: Tap to mute/unmute your audio.
• Camera icon: Tap to turn your video on or off.
• Flip camera icon: Switch between your front and rear cameras.

Use these tools to manage your environment. Need to sneeze, talk to someone IRL, or
walk through a noisy street? Mute yourself. Want to show your cat, your coffee, or
a sunset? Flip to the rear camera.

Minimizing the Call While You Browse

Instagram often lets you keep the video call running in a small floating window while you:

• Scroll your feed.
• Send DMs.
• Create Stories or Reels.

You’ll still see the other person, and they’ll still see you (unless you turn your camera
off), but you can multitask inside the app. It’s like picture-in-picture, but for your
social life.

Ending the Call

When you’re done, tap the End or Hang up icon. If the other
person hangs up first, you’ll see the call end automatically, and the conversation will
go back to the DM view where you can continue texting.

Privacy, Security, and Boundaries on Instagram Video Chat

Video chat is personalyou’re literally inviting people into your space, even if it’s
through a tiny rectangle. A few smart settings and habits go a long way.

Control Who Can Contact You

• Private account: Set your account to Private so only approved followers can
  see your content and contact you easily.
• Message controls: In your Instagram settings, specify who can send you
  message requests or add you to group chats.
• Block or restrict: If someone is harassing you, being creepy, or ignoring
  your boundaries, block or restrict them. They won’t be able to call you normally.

End-to-End Encryption and Sensitive Conversations

Instagram has been rolling out end-to-end encryption for some chats and
calls, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can see the content of your
messages and calls. Availability can depend on your region and app version, so check
your chat details and Instagram’s Help Center to see what’s active on your account.

Even with encryption, it’s smart not to:

• Share passwords, banking info, or other sensitive data on calls.
• Show documents with personal details while screen sharing.
• Accept calls from accounts you don’t recognize or trust.

Special Notes for Teens and Parents

For younger users, Instagram includes additional safety features such as:

• Stricter default privacy settings for under-16 accounts.
• Limits on who can send them DMs or call them if they’re not connected.
• Educational prompts to encourage safer behavior online.

Parents and caregivers can review Instagram’s safety and parent guides to understand how
teens are using video chat and how to talk about online boundaries, consent, and digital
well-being.

Troubleshooting Common Instagram Video Chat Issues

“My Camera or Mic Isn’t Working”

If the other person can’t see or hear you:

• Check that your camera and microphone permissions are enabled for Instagram.
• Close other apps that might be using the camera (like Zoom or your default camera app).
• Restart Instagram or reboot your phone.

“The Call Keeps Dropping or Freezing”

This usually comes down to connection issues:

• Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which is more stable.
• Move to a spot with better signal.
• Ask others on the network to pause heavy downloads or streaming temporarily.

“I Don’t See the Video Chat Icon”

If you can’t find the video camera icon:

• Update Instagram to the latest version.
• Make sure you’re in a normal DM chat (not a restricted or unusual type of thread).
• Check if the feature is available in your region and account type by visiting the Help Center.

Real-Life Experiences and Tips for Using Instagram Video Chat

Features are one thing; how people actually use them is another. Here are some practical,
human-level insights to help you get more out of Instagram video chat, based on common
experiences and scenarios.

1. The “Casual But Not Too Casual” Friend Hangout

Suppose you and a friend live in different cities. You both scroll Instagram endlessly
and constantly send each other Reels anyway. Turning those reactions into a live
conversation can make your friendship feel more real and less like a meme exchange.

Try this:

• Schedule a “Reel night” where you hop on a video chat and watch posts or Reels together.
• Use filters to lighten the mood and avoid camera shyness.
• Minimize the call window to multitask in the app while staying face-to-face.

It’s low pressureno need to clean your room or dress upand a nice way to stay close
without a full-on Zoom meeting vibe.

2. Helping a Relative with Tech (a Classic)

Many people use Instagram video chat to walk family members through tech issues. Maybe
your mom doesn’t understand Stories, or your cousin wants to start a small business
page but can’t find Insights.

In that case:

• Start a video chat and ask them to flip their camera so you can see their screen.
• Or use screen sharing on your side to show them exactly what to tap and in what order.
• Speak slowly, narrating each step while you demonstrate on your screen.

It might still take three attempts, but it’s far easier than trying to do tech support by
text message alone.

3. Micro-Meetings and Side Conversations

For freelancers, creators, or small teams, Instagram video chat can double as a “quick
huddle” tool. If you already chat with a client or collaborator on Instagram, you don’t
need to switch to another app just to clarify a detail.

A few tips:

• Ask permission first: “Can I video call you for two minutes?”
• Use screen sharing to show a draft reel, post, or grid layout during the call.
• Follow up with a brief DM summary so you both remember decisions later.

This keeps communication simple and connected to the content you’re actually working on.

4. Setting Boundaries So You Don’t Burn Out

Video chat can be intense, especially if you’re already on screens all day. It’s okay to:

• Silence calls for certain periods.
• Let a call ring out and respond with a DM later.
• Turn off your camera when you’re not in the mood for full face-to-face.

You don’t owe anyone constant availability just because your phone is nearby and the
video icon is visible. Treat Instagram video chat like any other communication tool:
useful, fun, but something you can control.

5. Using Video Chat to Build Community

Creators and small brands sometimes use Instagram video chat for “VIP moments”like
quick face-to-face chats with top followers, collaborators, or contest winners. This can:

• Make your audience feel more connected to you.
• Help you gather real-time feedback on your content.
• Turn casual followers into loyal fans.

If you do this, be clear about expectationshow long the call will be, what you’ll talk
about, and any boundaries (for example, no recording without permission).

Conclusion: Make Instagram Video Chat Work for You

Instagram video chat takes the platform beyond posting and scrolling. It turns your DMs
into a real-time hangout space where you can catch up, collaborate, troubleshoot, and
laugh togetherwithout juggling five different apps.

Start with the basics: learn how to place and receive one-on-one calls, then explore
group video chats, filters, watching content together, and screen sharing. Along the
way, keep your privacy settings tight, your boundaries clear, and your Wi-Fi strong.

Use the feature in a way that fits your lifewhether that means spontaneous calls with
close friends, intentional check-ins with clients, or rare but meaningful video chats
with family. Once you get comfortable, you’ll wonder why you ever left the app just to
talk face-to-face.