WhatsApp Unveils Guest Calling Feature
WhatsApp has rolled out an innovative guest calling function, enabling users without an account to join voice and video calls via invitation links.
This newly unveiled capability empowers current users to invite friends, family members, and colleagues without WhatsApp accounts to partake in both individual and group conversations.
As detailed by the company, these guest calls incur no additional fees or time constraints and are safeguarded by end-to-end encryption.
This feature facilitates communication with up to 32 participants, thereby enhancing WhatsApp’s accessibility and positioning it competitively against platforms such as Apple’s FaceTime, which permits participants to join calls without necessitating an Apple account.
Joining WhatsApp Calls without an Account
In order to invite someone lacking a WhatsApp account, an existing user must navigate to the Calls tab and select the plus (+) icon.
Next, the user can opt for the New call link option, create an invitation link, and disseminate it to the desired participant.
The recipient can access the link through a compatible web browser and join the call without any account registration.
However, guests are unable to initiate calls independently; they must await invitations from registered WhatsApp users and seek approval from the host before participating in the discussion.
Once a guest clicks on the invitation link, they are placed in a virtual waiting room until granted access by the host, who retains the authority to remove participants at any moment.
WhatsApp has instituted these measures to uphold participant privacy while allowing hosts comprehensive control over their conversations.
Guests are precluded from seeing other participants’ phone numbers, sending messages, or inviting additional individuals to join the dialogue.
Once admitted, guests can utilize features such as screen sharing, raising their hands, and expressing reactions through emojis during calls.
WhatsApp hosts can approve guests and manage participants in their calls. Photo: Cheng Xin / Contributor
Source: Getty Images
Upcoming Integrations with Google and Outlook
In addition to the guest calling feature, WhatsApp is set to introduce integrations with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook in 2026.
This forthcoming feature will enable users to create WhatsApp calls and send invitations directly through their preferred calendar applications.
To utilize this feature, users will need to download the necessary WhatsApp plugin, link their accounts, and attach a call link to the calendar invitation.
Recipients will then be able to join calls via shared links, even if they do not possess WhatsApp accounts.
This integration aims to streamline the organization of work meetings, virtual gatherings, and other dialogues without requiring every participant to register on the popular messaging platform.
WhatsApp Responds to User Demand
Previously, Legit.ng reported that WhatsApp has officially implemented one of its most sought-after features: group message history.
This update, now accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, is designed to assist newcomers in catching up on conversations without necessitating requests for screenshots or summaries from existing chat members.
Historically, new participants could only view messages sent after they arrived, which often hindered their ability to assimilate into bustling group discussions.
Source link: Legit.ng.
