WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that allows people without an account on the platform to join audio and video calls through an invitation link.
The feature supports free, end-to-end encrypted calls with no time limits. Guests must be approved by the call host before joining and will remain in a waiting room until admitted. Hosts can also remove guests from calls at any time.
Guests cannot view other participants’ phone numbers, send messages or directly add other people to a call.
To create a guest call, WhatsApp users can open the Calls tab, select the ‘+’ icon and generate a call link to share with participants. Guests can open the link in a computer browser, enter their name and request to join a one-to-one or group call. Calls can accommodate up to 32 participants, subject to host approval.
The feature also supports in-call functions, including screen sharing on computers, emoji reactions and the option to raise a hand.
WhatsApp also plans to introduce calendar integrations later this year, allowing users to create calls through Google Calendar or Outlook. The planned feature will let users install a WhatsApp plugin, connect their account and add call links to calendar invitations. Invitees will be able to join calls with or without a WhatsApp account.
The update expands WhatsApp’s calling options by allowing people who do not use the platform to participate in conversations without creating an account.