WhatsApp is actively developing voice and video calling features for group chats within its web app platform, aiming to bring its web version closer to feature parity with its mobile and desktop counterparts.
This enhancement seeks to unify the user experience across WhatsApp's web, desktop, and mobile applications, providing users with greater flexibility, especially those who utilize multiple devices.
The update is designed to help users stay connected and manage their communications smoothly across different platforms.
Group Calling Capabilities in WhatsApp Web Beta
Recent observations in the WhatsApp Web beta indicate that developers are implementing voice and video calls for group chats. While aspects of group calling were partially announced last year, support for groups on the web platform was in its early stages.
This new group call feature will enable users on the web client to join calls from any device. This is particularly beneficial for users who may be using a computer that does not belong to them, as they can utilize the web client for calls without needing to install a separate desktop application.
Users will gain more control over the call notifications they receive from WhatsApp Web, adding to the convenience of the platform. Furthermore, the ongoing development includes numerous features that are already available on the Android and iOS applications.
According to reports, this new feature is currently undergoing development and refinement to ensure an optimal experience upon its official launch.
Development of Call Links and Scheduling Features
WhatsApp is striving to compete with established video conferencing applications such as Zoom and Google Meet, as well as scheduling tools like Calendly. To this end, WhatsApp developers are working on introducing call links, also known as call URLs, in conjunction with the group calling functionality.
This feature will allow users to easily generate a link that others can use to join a call. Similar to the options available on WhatsApp for Android and iOS, users will be able to select whether the generated call link is for a voice or video call.
In addition to call links, WhatsApp is also developing a feature that will enable users to schedule calls within both individual and group chats. A scheduled call will include a name and description to inform participants about its purpose. Users will have the ability to set approximate start and end times when scheduling a call.
WhatsApp Web will generate an event that is shared with the involved users, ensuring they are notified in advance of an upcoming call. Similar to the call link feature, users will be required to specify whether the scheduled call is a voice or video call.
Group calls on WhatsApp are expected to support a maximum of 32 participants, mirroring the limit in the mobile app. This participant limit is intended to ensure a stable and high-quality call experience, minimizing interruptions.
It remains to be seen whether WhatsApp will initially launch group calls with a smaller number of participants, such as 8 or 16 users, before eventually increasing the limit to 32 over time.
Further details regarding these upcoming WhatsApp calling features are anticipated to be announced soon.
WhatsApp User Statistics
Recent statistics indicate that WhatsApp boasts over 3 billion monthly active users globally. This substantial user base represents approximately 36.59% of the world's population of 8.2 billion people.
The messaging application, which is owned by Meta, has seen significant growth, adding 1 billion new users in the last five years.