WhatsApp has officially launched a new guest calling feature. It allows people without a WhatsApp account to join voice and video calls through an invitation link.
The new feature was launched on October 14. It allows users to invite guests to personal and group calls without asking them to create an account.
The Meta-owned platform said that the calls are free and protected with end-to-end encryption. However, users may still have to pay for internet or mobile data.
How can users invite guests to WhatsApp calls?
WhatsApp users can invite guests by opening the Calls tab and selecting the ‘New Call Link’ option. They can then create a link and share it with the people they want to invite.
Guests can open the link through a desktop web browser. They will have to enter their name and wait for the host to approve their request to join the call.
Only registered WhatsApp users can create call links. Guests can join calls, but they will have fewer permissions than the regular users.
What can guests do during calls?
The feature will support calls with around 32 participants. Guests can use their cameras and microphones during calls. They can also share their screens, react with emojis and raise their hands.
However, guests cannot see the phone numbers of other participants. They also cannot send messages or invite other people directly to the call.
In additio to this, the host can remove guests from the call whenever they need to.
When do WhatsApp call links expire?
According to WhatsApp’s Help Centre, unused call links expire after 30 days. Users can also cancel links for privacy or security reasons.
People who have been blocked by the user who created the link cannot join the call through that invitation.
