Coming soon, WhatsApp group voice and video calling support with up to 32 people on web
WhatsApp Web is reportedly getting group voice and video calling support. This will allow users to make encrypted group calls directly from their browser without using the desktop app or a smartphone.
WhatsApp is reportedly bringing group voice and video calling to its web version. Currently, attempting a group call on WhatsApp Web simply asks users to download the desktop app. The messaging platform has reportedly been testing this feature with select beta users for a while now, letting them make group calls directly from their browser, no desktop app or phone required.
Earlier, WhatsApp introduced voice and video calling on the web for individual chats. However, group calling was missing from the feature at that time. According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is now expanding web calling capabilities by adding support for group voice and video calls. The update is currently rolling out to selected beta testers.
Group calls on WhatsApp Web support up to 32 participants
Now, with the update, users can open any WhatsApp group on the website and tap on the call button at the top for a conversation. It will provide them with two options: a voice call or a video call. Users can choose whatever option they require according to their convenience.
It’s worth noting that this time, WhatsApp reportedly would provide users more control over who joins the call. Earlier, if you had to do a group call, it would automatically end up calling everyone present in the group; now, users can select specific members that they want to call in the group before starting the conversation.
The group calling experience on WhatsApp Web is similar to what users already get on mobile and desktop apps. Both voice and video calls support up to 32 participants, which should be enough for most family chats, friend groups, and small online meetings.
Like other WhatsApp calls, group calls on the web are protected by end-to-end encryption. This means the conversation remains private between the participants, and WhatsApp or Meta cannot access the content of the call.
WhatsApp Web also brings call links and screen sharing
The update is also likely to include call links, making it easier to invite people to join a group call. For users who want more control, WhatsApp also supports features like waiting rooms for calls. However, users should remember that anyone with the call link may be able to join, so it should only be shared with trusted people.
Group video calls on WhatsApp Web could also support screen sharing. This can be useful for showing presentations, documents, or other content during a call. The feature is only available during video calls and does not work for voice-only calls.
If the report turns out to be true, this new update could be especially helpful for operating systems like Linux. Because OS users like Microsoft have the option to download the desktop WhatsApp app, but open-source systems like Linux don’t have one. So, with group calling available through the browser, it may help users no longer need to switch to their phones to join a call.
WhatsApp is currently testing group calls on the web with beta users. The company has not revealed when the feature will arrive for everyone, but a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks if testing goes smoothly, according to the report.
WhatsApp is reportedly bringing group voice and video calling to its web version. Currently, attempting a group call on WhatsApp Web simply asks users to download the desktop app. The messaging platform has reportedly been testing this feature with select beta users for a while now, letting them make group calls directly from their browser, no desktop app or phone required.
Earlier, WhatsApp introduced voice and video calling on the web for individual chats. However, group calling was missing from the feature at that time. According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is now expanding web calling capabilities by adding support for group voice and video calls. The update is currently rolling out to selected beta testers.
Group calls on WhatsApp Web support up to 32 participants
Now, with the update, users can open any WhatsApp group on the website and tap on the call button at the top for a conversation. It will provide them with two options: a voice call or a video call. Users can choose whatever option they require according to their convenience.
It’s worth noting that this time, WhatsApp reportedly would provide users more control over who joins the call. Earlier, if you had to do a group call, it would automatically end up calling everyone present in the group; now, users can select specific members that they want to call in the group before starting the conversation.
The group calling experience on WhatsApp Web is similar to what users already get on mobile and desktop apps. Both voice and video calls support up to 32 participants, which should be enough for most family chats, friend groups, and small online meetings.
Like other WhatsApp calls, group calls on the web are protected by end-to-end encryption. This means the conversation remains private between the participants, and WhatsApp or Meta cannot access the content of the call.
WhatsApp Web also brings call links and screen sharing
The update is also likely to include call links, making it easier to invite people to join a group call. For users who want more control, WhatsApp also supports features like waiting rooms for calls. However, users should remember that anyone with the call link may be able to join, so it should only be shared with trusted people.
Group video calls on WhatsApp Web could also support screen sharing. This can be useful for showing presentations, documents, or other content during a call. The feature is only available during video calls and does not work for voice-only calls.
If the report turns out to be true, this new update could be especially helpful for operating systems like Linux. Because OS users like Microsoft have the option to download the desktop WhatsApp app, but open-source systems like Linux don’t have one. So, with group calling available through the browser, it may help users no longer need to switch to their phones to join a call.
WhatsApp is currently testing group calls on the web with beta users. The company has not revealed when the feature will arrive for everyone, but a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks if testing goes smoothly, according to the report.
