The invention provides a video call method and a terminal. The method comprises the steps of sending a first request message for establishing a video call with a third terminal to a second terminal; receiving call information of the third terminal sent by the second terminal; sending a second request message for establishing the video call to the third terminal according to the call information; receiving a video call receiving message sent by the third terminal; and carrying out video call with the third terminal based on the video call receiving message, wherein the call information indicates that the third terminal receives the first request message. In this way, a friend relationship does not need to be established between the two video call parties, and the video call between strange accounts can be realized through transit of a transit terminal.