WhatsApp calling links, like FaceTime, make it easy for friends and family to join a group video chat. In addition, Meta is testing encrypted video calls with 32 people.
- What is happening? WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has launched the ability to create and share a unique direct link to a group audio chat or video call on the service.
- Why care? Because sending links in one click makes it much easier for friends to join your group chat than before, even if they don’t have WhatsApp.
- What to do? Update your copy of WhatsApp to the latest version [ App Store link ] and access this feature from the banner at the top of the Calls tab.
Whatsapp calling links are now available
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement in a Facebook post, adding that the WhatsApp team is also testing encrypted video calls for 32 people.
The improvement in group calls pales in comparison to Google (100), Microsoft Teams (100) and Zoom (300), but WhatsApp achieves it. Following the announcement of the Communities feature in April 2022 when the Communities feature was announced, WhatsApp began rolling out calling links to all users this week. Read: 7 Ways to Send a WhatsApp Message Without Saving a Contact
How to know if you can create WhatsApp calling links
Because this is a phased launch, you might not get this feature on the same day as everyone else. To make sure you can already create these shared calling links, be sure to use the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS or Android and then see if you can find the option to create these shared calling links at the top of the Calling tab.
How WhatsApp calling links work
Once your unique calling link is created, it’s easy to share with friends or family via email, messaging apps, social media, and more.
Each unique calling link will expire after 90 days of inactivity. Once your recipients click on the link, they will instantly join the call on the mobile app. If they don’t have the app installed or don’t use WhatsApp at all, they will instead be redirected to a web page to download the app. This feature supports both audio and video calls.
When will encrypted video calls for up to 32 people start?
As for the ability to create secure group video chats with up to 32 people at the same time, WhatsApp is currently rolling it out to a small group of users. Keep an eye on this space as we will be sure to let you know once the 32 person encrypted video calls are over for everyone.