In the midst of the festive season, Meta has started rolling out an updated Events feature on WhatsApp. Hosts can now invite people who don’t have a WhatsApp account and those guests can view the event details and RSVP from a web browser.
WhatsApp has officially announced in its blog post that it is rolling out the ability to generate shareable event links. Hosts can now send these to anyone, even if they don't have a registered WhatsApp account, allowing outside invitees to review and RSVP directly from a web browser without installing the app.
To manage these events, WhatsApp is adding a dedicated Events Home section. You can find it by going to Settings > Events. It shows all your past and upcoming events, including the ones you are hosting and where you are invited. You can also create invitations and track RSVPs from here.
Besides, the update also brings new customisation tools that hosts can now use to attach personalised cover photos to their invitations, set up custom reminders to keep attendees informed, and even include options for guests to bring a plus-one.
Given the participation of non-users, the feature also comes with privacy guardrails. For starters, the phone numbers of hosts and guests are kept hidden from attendees they do not already know.
Additionally, the exact physical address of the event will remain locked and invisible to non-WhatsApp users until they officially RSVP.
The updated Events experience is currently rolling out and will reach all users over the coming weeks. This isn't the first time the app has made it easier for non-WhatsApp users to communicate with WhatsApp users, though.
Earlier this year, the platform rolled out the ability to initiate chat with people without a WhatsApp account. Additionally, WhatsApp added Guest Calls, letting non-WhatsApp users call without creating an account. These features give people a way to try the app without signing up, which could bring more people to the platform.
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