Telegram, a secure messaging app, will launch an alpha version of encrypted one-on-one video calling on both Android and iOS apps, positioned as a competitor to FaceTime and WhatApp. And with group video calling launching later this year, Telegram could be one of the best apps to replace Zoom.

In a blog post, Telegram acknowledged the surge in video calls as the coronavirus outbreak has transformed both the work and social lives of millions of people. The company stated that "2020 has highlighted the need for face-to-face communication."

Since the video calling feature is still in alpha, Telegram will continue to work on improvements until it is fully ready. For now, users can select a contact's profile page and initiate a video call from there. Video can be turned on and off at any time during the call. The picture-in-picture feature allows users to multitask during the call.

In keeping with its reputation for secure messaging, Telegram also claims that video calls will have the same end-to-end encryption as secret chats. Video callers can verify that their calls are 100% secure by comparing the four emojis on the screen with the person they are chatting with.

"Because our Android and iOS apps have reproducible builds, anyone can verify the encryption and make sure the apps are using the exact same open source code we release with every update," Telegram explains.

Telegram also noted that it plans to roll out group video calling at some point later this year. Demand for secure group video calling will remain very high throughout this year and into 2021.

Telegram has grown in popularity since its debut seven years ago. According to the company, it now has over 400 million users.