A video media playing method includes: A media server receives a call request message from originating UE, where the call request message includes first session description protocol (SDP) information of the originating UE; the media server receives a first response message returned by terminating user equipment (UE); the media server determines, based on the first response message, that the terminating UE does not support a resource reservation mechanism/procedure; the media server sends a second response message to the originating UE, where the second response message includes second SDP information used to respond to the first SDP information; and the media server performs video media negotiation with the originating UE through the resource reservation mechanism/procedure.