How to Make a Video Call on Instagram, Including Group Calls

To make a video call on Instagram, open your Direct Messages, choose a conversation, and tap the video camera icon near the top of the chat. The other person will receive a call notification and can answer or decline. You can do this on iPhone or Android without sharing your phone number.

Instagram also supports group video calls. The steps below explain how to start a call, use its controls, and fix the most common problems.

How to start an Instagram video call

Make sure you're signed in to the Instagram app and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. The placement of certain buttons can vary with app updates.

1. Open your messages. Launch Instagram and tap the messages icon, usually near the upper-right corner of the home screen.
2. Choose a chat. Open an existing conversation. To contact someone new, use the compose or new-message button, find their account, and open a chat. Calling may not be available until the other person has accepted your message.
3. Tap Video. At the top of the conversation, tap the video camera icon. Don't confuse it with the camera beside the message box, which is used to send photos or videos. Depending on the interface, you may also be asked to tap Start call.
4. Allow access and connect. If your phone asks, allow Instagram to use its camera and microphone. Wait for the recipient to answer. To finish, tap the red End call button.

What you can do during the call

Instagram puts the essential controls on the call screen. Tap the screen if the controls aren't showing. Depending on the device and version, you can:

• Mute your microphone when you don't want the other person to hear you.
• Turn off your camera to continue talking without sending video. Your microphone can remain on, making the call effectively audio-only.
• Switch cameras to show what's in front of you instead of your face.
• Minimize the video window, when the small-frame option is available, to browse Instagram while staying on the call. Tap it to return.
• End the conversation with the red hang-up control.

Turning your camera off does not necessarily mute your microphone. If you need privacy, check both controls before speaking or stepping away.

How to make a group video call on Instagram

You aren't limited to calling one person. Instagram supports group calls with up to eight participants, although available controls can differ by app version. One option is to open an existing group chat and tap its video camera icon. You can also start a one-on-one call, then use the Add people or invite control, if shown, to invite other accounts.

Each invited person gets a call notification and decides whether to join. A group call is not a public Instagram Live broadcast. If you don't see an invitation button, check for an updated Instagram app or begin the call directly from a group conversation.

Can you video call on Instagram from a computer?

You may also be able to use calls on instagram.com. Sign in, open Messages in the sidebar, select a chat, and look for the Video option near the top. Your browser may prompt you to permit camera and microphone access. If the option isn't available in your browser or account, use the Instagram mobile app instead.

Why your Instagram video call isn't working

If you can't see the video button, the call doesn't connect, or one person has no sound, check these common causes:

• Outdated app: Update Instagram through the App Store or Google Play, then reopen the conversation.
• Missing permissions on iPhone: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and enable Instagram. Do the same under Microphone. Apple's camera and microphone permission guide explains these controls.
• Missing permissions on Android: Open Settings > Apps > Instagram > Permissions and allow Camera and Microphone while using the app. Also check system-wide privacy switches. See Google's Android app-permissions guide.
• Weak connection: Try another Wi-Fi network or switch to mobile data. Carrier data charges may apply.
• Messaging restrictions: If the other person hasn't accepted your message request, or one of you has blocked the other, calling may be unavailable.
• No ringing: Ask the recipient to check their notification and Focus or Do Not Disturb settings. A missed notification doesn't always mean the call failed.

Quick questions

Do both people need Instagram?

Yes. Both participants need Instagram accounts and access to the calling feature. You don't need to exchange phone numbers to start an Instagram call.

Can people I don't follow call me?

People whose message requests you've accepted may be able to call you even if you don't follow them. If someone keeps calling and you don't want to hear from them, you can mute their call notifications or block the account. Calling and messaging controls can vary by account.

For additional help with account-specific options, visit the Instagram Help Center.