Whether it’s an online meeting, a study discussion, or a video call with friends, sometimes the lack of a WhatsApp account makes it difficult to initiate a conversation. To address this issue, WhatsApp has introduced the Guest Calling feature. It allows you to send invitations to join calls even to those without an account on the messaging platform.
This requires creating a call link and sharing it. Importantly, these calls have no fee or time limit, and they also offer end-to-end encryption. Let’s explore how this feature works and what you need to do to use it.
In Guest Calling, only the user with a WhatsApp account has the authority to initiate the call and create the link. After receiving the link, guests can open it in their browser and enter their name, but they will not be able to join the call directly. They will first have to wait in a waiting room, where they will only be allowed to enter the call upon receiving permission from the host. The host can also remove a guest from the call.
According to WhatsApp, guest calls will also be end-to-end encrypted. Up to 32 people can be added to a group call simultaneously through WhatsApp’s Guest Calling feature. Guests will not be able to see the phone numbers of other participants in the call. Furthermore, they will not be able to send messages or add other people to the call on their own. Guests can share their computer screens, react with emojis like a thumbs-up or heart, and use the Raise Hand feature to express their views during the conversation.
To use this feature, open WhatsApp, go to the Calls tab, and tap the + icon at the top. Then, select New Call Link and select voice or video call. If necessary, you can enable the permissions option before adding people, then copy the link and share it via WhatsApp or another app. Guests can join by opening the link from their mobile or computer browser.