FaceTime-like WhatsApp call links make it easy for friends and family to join a group video chat. On top of those, Meta is testing 32-person encrypted video calls.
- What’s happening? Meta-owned WhatsApp 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 one-click links makes it much simpler 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 the feature via a banner at the top of the Calls tab.
WhatsApp call links rolling out now
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement in a post on Facebook, adding that the WhatsApp team is also testing encrypted video calling for up to 32 people.
The group-calling improvement pales in comparison with Google (100), Microsoft Teams (100) and Zoom (300), but WhatsApp is getting there. Having teased 32-people encrypted calling back in April 2022 during the announcement of the Communities feature, WhatsApp has begun rolling out call links to all users this week. Read: 7 ways to send a WhatsApp message without saving the contact
How to see if you can create call links on WhatsApp
Since this is a staggered launch, you may not get the feature on the same day as everyone else. To confirm that you can already create these call links, be sure to use the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS or Android, then see if you can find the option to create these shareable call links at the top of the Call tab.
How WhatsApp call links work
Once created, your unique call link can be easily shared with friends or family via email, messaging apps, social media and so on.
Every unique call link expires after 90 days of inactivity. Once your recipients click the link, they’ll instantly join the call in the mobile app. If they don’t have the app installed or don’t use WhatsApp at all, they’ll be instead redirected to a webpage to download the app. This feature supports both audio and video calls.
When will 32-person encrypted video calls launch?
As for the ability to create secure group video chats with up to 32 people participating at the same time, WhatsApp is currently rolling that out to a smaller group of users. Watch this space as we’ll be making sure to inform you know as soon as 32-person encrypted video calls finish rolling out to everyone.