The maximum number of people that you can have on a Skype video call right now is 25 but Microsoft is thinking about doubling it. The company is testing an increase in the participant limit for Skype group calls. It will be a straightforward 2x increase with the maximum number of allowed participants going up from 25 to 50. This change has currently been doled out to beta testers only.
Skype will enable audio and video buttons for larger groups, thus allowing participants to easily turn their webcam on or off and mute their microphones. This change will be well received by small companies that regularly rely on Skype for meetings.
Microsoft’s test involves sending notifications to participants who are to take part in such a large video call instead of making Skype ring all of the members. It will also be possible to call people once the group call has begun if they don’t respond to the initial notification in time.
This new functionality is currently available to beta testers only. It may take some time before this functionality exits beta and goes live for all Skype users. Microsoft hasn’t said as yet precisely when the increased group call limit is going to be available for all users.
