WhatsApp has officially released a new voice chat feature with enhanced features designed for larger groups.
The feature allows users to have live conversations with large groups in a less disruptive way.
Unlike the current 32-participant limit, the new feature will accommodate group calls with 33 to 128 participants.
The new feature does not ring each group member individually when a voice chat is started. Instead, users will receive a silent notification and can choose to join the voice chat at any time.
In a statement released by the messaging company on X, they stated that users will now have the option to talk to whoever they want live.
“Rolling out now: voice chat for your larger groups! You’ll soon have the option to talk it out live with whoever can join or keep texting with whoever can’t,” the company stated.
According to WhatsApp, the new feature is less disruptive for people who are busy or don't want to be disturbed. Additionally, the new voice chat feature also makes it easier for people to drop in and out of conversations as needed.
However, the voice chat feature will only be available for groups of 33 and more and will allow users to initiate a voice chat in a group by tapping on the top right corner of the screen and selecting Start Voice Chat.
For instance, if one is in a meeting or needs to leave for a few minutes, one can simply tap the chat bubble to leave the voice chat.
When they're ready to come back, they can tap the chat bubble again to rejoin. Similar to the voice chat feature in Discord, WhatsApp will allow users to join and leave at any time.
The call controls are located at the top of the group chat, so users can continue to message while the voice chat is in progress.
To start a group voice chat, the user needs to open the group chat they want to start a voice chat with.
If the group chat has 33 or more participants, the user will have to tap 'Group call' find the contacts they want to add to the call, then tap 'Voice call.'
In circumstances where a group chat has 32 or fewer participants, one will need to tap 'Voice call' and confirm the decision.
