WhatsApp has introduced a new feature allowing users without accounts to join audio and video calls. The initiative, launched by Meta on Wednesday, enables WhatsApp users to share a call link with people who don’t have a WhatsApp account, letting them join calls easily. This feature maintains the platform’s standard end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication even for guest participants.
How the Guest Calling Feature Works
To start a guest call, WhatsApp account holders must open the Calls tab in the app and tap the ‘+’ icon to generate a call link. This link can then be shared with non-account users who want to join the call. Guests open the link on a web browser, enter their name, and request to join the call. However, only WhatsApp account holders can create these call links.
Once guests open the link, they cannot immediately join the conversation. Instead, they enter a waiting room until the call host approves their entry. Hosts retain the ability to remove guests from the call at any time, ensuring control over participation.
Guests have limited interaction capabilities; they cannot see other participants’ phone numbers, send messages, or add others to the call. This restriction preserves the host’s control and privacy during the conversation.
Guest Capabilities and Future Integrations
After joining, guests can share their computer screen, send emoji reactions such as thumbs-up or hearts, and use the “raise hand” feature to indicate they want to speak. These tools make the guest calling feature suitable for online classes, meetings, collaborative work, and group discussions.
WhatsApp plans to add calendar integration by the end of the year. Users will be able to connect their accounts with Google Calendar or Outlook to create call links directly from calendar events. This integration will allow invitees to join calls even without WhatsApp accounts, streamlining meeting scheduling and invitations.
This guest calling feature follows several updates introduced in July. Those included the ability to make audio and video calls via WhatsApp Web without installing a desktop app, transferring ongoing calls between devices without interruption, and added security with a waiting room. Additionally, WhatsApp launched QuickHD for enhanced video quality and noise suppression to reduce background sounds during calls.
With the guest calling option, WhatsApp aims to simplify group communication while maintaining privacy and control. Users can now invite a more diverse range of participants, including those who do not use the app, expanding the platform’s flexibility for both personal and professional use.
