WhatsApp Starts Testing Group Voice and Video Calls on Web Version

It's been a long time since WhatsApp announced that Voice and Video calls were finally coming to the web version. Well, a new update rolling out to beta testers officially expands browser-based calling, eliminating the need for downloading the WhatsApp Web desktop client for users who don't have a supported device or the bandwidth to run the app.

WhatsApp Web Group Calls Support up to 32 Participants

Spotted first by feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is finally testing group voice and video calls on its web version and they're now rolling out to select Beta users. Eligible testers will see a call button, which, just like in the Desktop client, will present a Voice call and a Video call option upon clicking. It will also allow users to choose the group members they want to include rather than ringing the entire group at once.

Image Credit: WABetaInfo

Just like on desktop, Group calling on web supports up to 32 participants across both formats. It also brings a call links feature and secure URLs that auto-expire within 30 days of inactivity. Hosts can also use the waiting room feature to allow participants before they gain entry.

Besides, group calls on the web also inherit the same screen-sharing capabilities as those found in the phone clients. They will allow users to present slides or documents from their browsers.

That said, while WhatsApp's Desktop app has had these features for years, these capabilities could be useful for those who can't run the official Windows client due to space or performance constraints. Besides, the feature could be especially useful for operating systems that don't have official WhatsApp desktop clients, like Linux.

While the rollout is currently restricted to a limited number of users, WhatsApp could expand it to more beta testers before it's ready for a stable rollout. Another feature that the platform recently rolled out is a new message menu design on Android.

More information about the feature's expansion and a potential stable rollout should surface in the coming months, so stay tuned.