Just before the holidays, WhatsApp announced new video calling features, including the ability to select participants for group video calls, improved resolution, and a revamped calling tab on the desktop. This is another step by Meta in making WhatsApp a viable option for both personal and work calls instead of using Google Meet or Zoom.
If you're in a group chat, the messaging app allows you to call the entire group. However, there may be times when you don't want or need to call everyone in the group and disturb them. The company is currently rolling out the option to select participants when making group calls. This is useful if you know that only a selected number of people will be able to speak, or if you are planning a surprise for someone in your group.
WhatsApp also has new video call effects, including puppy ears, takes you underwater, and gives you a microphone for karaoke.
As for the desktop app, the company has redesigned the Calls tab to prominently display buttons for starting a call, creating a new call link, and calling a number. The company said it has also improved the resolution for one-on-one and group calls on both mobile and desktop.
Over the past year, WhatsApp has improved its video calling features, added support for up to 32 participants, introduced Speaker Spotlight to highlight the current speaker in calls with multiple people, and added support for Added screen sharing. Many organizations use WhatsApp for internal communications, and all these features come in handy for work-related video calls on WhatsApp.