WhatsApp lets people without an account join audio and video calls through a link

WhatsApp, the social media instant messaging platform, has launched a new feature for its users. With this update, people who do not have a WhatsApp account, or who do not have the app installed on their phones, can also be added to WhatsApp audio or video calls. The move is expected to pose a direct challenge to platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Until now, a person needed a WhatsApp account to join any group or private call. Under the new feature, the main user, the host, can send a link inviting others to the call.

A person without a WhatsApp account can click the link in a web browser and join the call directly. They will not have to download any app or register. Whether it is an office meeting, an online class or a family video call, the feature is expected to prove useful. A group call can have up to 32 participants.

The new facility has been designed with security in mind. First, all such calls will be fully encrypted, so there will be no question about privacy.

After clicking the link, a guest does not get straight into the call. The guest must first enter a name and wait in a "waiting room". Until the host, the main user who holds the account, gives permission, the guest cannot become part of the call. The host can also remove any guest from the call at any time.

Guests also have limits in the interest of privacy. A guest cannot see the phone numbers of other participants, cannot send messages and cannot add anyone else to the call.

Users will also get features such as screen sharing, hand raise and emoji reactions. WhatsApp is also soon to bring calendar integration. Once it arrives, it will be possible to create a WhatsApp call link directly from a Google or Outlook calendar.