Whatsapp now allows 32 users in a single group voice or video call, a feature available in both iOS and Android. The new update, which was announced along with the WhatsApp Communities feature, concludes an era of group calls with eight users at the most.
Quick Facts
- The new Whatsapp update supports 32 users in a group call besides an improved interface that includes a social audio layout and waveforms, and speaker highlight.
- Users can resize the audio or video feed and mute or message the participants separately during a call.
- The update applies to audio and video calls for mobile Whatsapp users
Calling on Whatsapp is now as popular as messaging on the app. More and more users are using its calling features to connect with loved ones. So Meta explained why the app has focused on improving the experience for Whatsapp callers.
New Features in Whatsapp Call
Whatsapp It made several additions to the call section besides increasing the maximum limit of participants in the group call.
Message or mute participants – Long pressing on a participant during a call can enlarge the audio or video frame and enable muting or messaging them personally.
Call links – Users can send group call invitations on Whatsapp through a link that can be generated anytime before the call.
Colorful waveforms – Users can see who is speaking even if their camera is off through colored waveforms.
In-call banner notifications – It notifies a user if someone new has joined a group call.
Picture in Picture on iOS – Users can now multitask on a group video call by minimizing the feed. The reduced frame can be dragged across the screen as the user pleases.
Is Whatsapp Calling now available on the web?
The Meta-owned platform will roll out a call tab for the desktop version of Whatsapp. Users can sync the data of all Whatsapp calls with the mobile and web versions.
The tab will be available within the app’s sidebar, and as of now, it can be accessed on WhatsApp beta by Windows users. Besides enhancements in calling, the app will launch interesting new features!
Bookmark feature in disappearing chats – Users will find the option to bookmark a disappearing message to save it in the chat. Currently, under development on Android, it will separate kept messages from regular disappearing messages.
Searching messages by date – WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo tests a feature that allows users to filter messages by date. There is a calendar icon that lets you choose a date, and the app is currently testing the feature with selective iOS users.
Picture-in-picture (PIP) on iOS – The PIP mode, which is already available on Android, will soon be launched for iOS users.
Security updates
Screen lock – A screen lock feature might roll out on desktops similar to the security login already accessible on Android and iOS.
6-digit code login – WhatsApp is testing a new verification feature for the Android app and the new security update would require a user to enter a code to log in to Whatsapp on a different device using Companion Mode.
View-once text – After Whatsapp released a feature that prevents the screen recording of view-once messages, the app will now allow the exchange of view-once media, including images, GIFs, and videos.
Whatsapp Call FAQ
How to improve the quality of a Whatsapp video call?
In group video calls, the participants should have strong internet connections as the quality will depend on the user with the poorest connection.
Can a user be late to join a WhatsApp video call?
Through a call info screen, users can keep track of who is already on the call and who has yet to join among all the invited participants. Users can choose “Ignore” if they don’t wish to join.
Are WhatsApp video calls private?
WhatsApp messaging and phone calls are end-to-end encrypted so are only shared among participants in a call.
How to replay Whatsapp calls?
Whatsapp calls cannot be recovered or replayed.
