5 Skype tricks you never knew about

23 Feb 2016

Skype is a great way to talk to loved ones and see their faces, no matter where you are in the world - and for free, too. Here are some handy tips to help you out when you use it next time.

1. Send a video message

You don’t have to use Skype just to have a conversation with someone. If your loved one isn’t on the end of the line, you can still leave a video message for them which they can view next time they log on.

Simply click on the video icon in the chat box, hit the record button with a circle on it and you can start filming yourself.

2. Edit sent messages

Skype can also be used as an instant messenger if you’re having trouble video chatting with someone. Made a mistake in a message? Simply click on the arrow on the right of the chat box and click on ‘Edit message’ to make any necessary changes.

3. Share files over Skype

Want to show your loved ones photos, videos or send them documents over Skype? Make sure you upload them to your computer first. Then in your Skype chat box, click on the file icon on the right, search for your file and upload it. Fortunately, Skype allows users to send an files of any size to each other.

4. Start a group chat

From the menu bar, choose File and click onto New conversation. Click the Add button and select the people you want to add to the conversation. Then click add and away you go.

5. Make a list of favourites

If you speak to say, your daughter in London, very regularly, you might want to add her to your favourites list so it’s easy to find her when you want to Skype her. In your contacts list, click the star next to the contact name or simply drag her contact from All to Favourites.