WhatsApp has officially released a guest calling feature, letting people without accounts on the message platform to join video and voice calls via invitation links.
Launched on October 14, the Meta-owned WhatsApp’s new feature lets users invite guests to individual and group calls without requiring them to create WhatsApp accounts.
The company stated calls are free, end-to-end encrypted without any limits, although users may incur internet as well as mobile data charges.
To invite guests, WhatsApp users can open the Calls tab, choose “New call link” and share the generated link with participants.
Guests can open the invitation via a desktop web browser, enter their names and wait for the host to approve their entry.
This update lets registered WhatsApp users create call links, while guests have limited permissions once they join.
Calls can easily accommodate nearly 32 participants, with guests able to use audio and video, share their screens, react with emojis and raise their hands.
However, guests cannot view other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or add participants directly. Hosts also retain the ability to remove guests from calls.
As per the company’s Help Center, unused call links expire after 30 days. Links may also be revoked for privacy or security reasons, while users who are already blocked by the link creator cannot join through that invitation.
WhatsApp’s new feature brings the platform closer to other communication platforms, including Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom that let users join meetings without creating accounts under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, the Meta-owned WhatsApp is gradually launching several additional features, including chat themes on its web platform and scheduled messages for specific Android beta testers.
These updates are being introduced in phases and may not yet be available to all users.
The guest calling feature could simplify it for businesses, families and groups to connect with people who do not use WhatsApp regularly, minimising the need for new participants to register ahead of joining a conversation.
