Yes, you absolutely can video call in Discord.
You need to jump on a quick video call with your team or a group of friends. You sigh as you think about the usual options. Do you create a Zoom meeting and send out a link that everyone has to click? Do you try to get everyone on Skype, a platform half your friends haven’t used in years? The process feels clunky, and you waste the first five minutes just getting everyone into the same virtual room.
This friction is a common frustration. You just want a simple, reliable way to connect face-to-face without the hassle. What if the solution is already on your computer? For millions, Discord has become the go-to app for communities and voice chat, but many users overlook one of its most powerful features: the integrated Discord video call.
This guide will show you exactly how to use the Discord video call feature, turning your favorite chat app into a powerful video communication tool.
How to Start a Discord Video Call
There are two primary ways to start a Discord video call, depending on who you want to talk to.
In a Direct Message (DM) or Group DM
This is the perfect option for private conversations with one or more friends.
- Open a DM: Navigate to your Direct Messages by clicking the Discord icon at the top-left of the app. Select the friend or group DM you want to call.
- Start the Call: In the top-right corner of the chat window, you will see a video camera icon. Click this icon to immediately start the video call.
- Enable Your Camera: If your camera isn’t on by default, click the camera icon in the bottom-left of the call window to turn it on.
In a Server Voice Channel
This method is ideal for community meetings, gaming sessions, or group hangouts within a server you’re a part of.
- Join a Voice Channel: On the left-hand panel of your server, find the list of voice channels (usually marked with a speaker icon). Click on the channel you want to join.
- Turn on Your Camera: Once you’re in the voice channel, a new set of options will appear at the bottom-left of your screen, above your username. Click the “Video” button to turn on your camera.
- See Others: Anyone else in that voice channel can also turn on their camera, and you will all appear in a grid view, creating a group video call.
Essential Tools for a Better Discord Experience
While Discord provides the platform, a few extra tools can significantly improve your video call quality.
- A Quality Webcam: A dedicated webcam from a brand like Logitech or Razer will always provide a clearer and more professional image than a built-in laptop camera.
- A Dedicated Microphone: A USB microphone from a brand like Blue or Rode will make your audio sound crisp and clear, eliminating the echo and background noise common with built-in mics.
- Krisp Noise Cancellation: Discord has integrated Krisp’s AI noise-canceling technology directly into its settings. You can enable it under “Voice & Video” to magically filter out background noises like keyboard clicks or a barking dog.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together
The Discord video call feature is a powerful, convenient, and free alternative to other video conferencing platforms. Whether you’re catching up with a single friend or hosting a large group meeting, it provides a seamless way to connect without ever leaving the app.
Here are your next steps to get started:
- Check Your Settings: Before your first call, go to User Settings > Voice & Video in Discord to select your correct microphone and camera and to test them out.
- Start a Test Call: Grab a friend and start a quick one-on-one video call in a DM to get comfortable with the interface.
- Explore Server Video: Join a voice channel in one of your favorite servers and click the “Video” button to see how it works in a group setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Discord video call free?
Yes, all video calling features in Discord, for both DMs and servers, are completely free.
How many people can join a Discord video call?
In a Direct Message or Group DM, the limit for video calls is currently 25 people. In a server, the number of people who can join a voice channel and stream video can be much larger, though the number of video streams you can see at once may be limited.
Can you share your screen on a Discord video call?
Yes. Discord has a powerful screen share feature called “Go Live” that works in both DMs and server channels. You can choose to share your entire screen or a specific application.