WhatsApp group video, audio calls rolled out: Here’s how it works

WhatsApp’s much-awaited group video calling and audio calling features are now live. Here’s how to use the two new features.

You can now make group video and audio calls on WhatsApp. (Shutterstock)

WhatsApp group video and audio calls are now available for all users. The new features were announced by WhatsApp at Facebook's F8 2018 conference last May. WhatsApp users on Android and iOS can update their app to the latest version and start using this feature.

Note that WhatsApp's new features aren't built into the Group chats. Instead, it allows users to add other contacts when making an audio or video call. You can add up to three users on a video or audio group call. This process is pretty simple and can be done following these steps.

How to use group video, audio calls on WhatsApp

After you make a video or audio call on WhatsApp, you will see an icon on the top right corner.

Tap on that icon and add a member to the call from your contact list.

You can choose one contact at a time from your list.

The video call will break into four mini screens of each member in the call.

Similarly, the audio call screen will show all members' display picture on the screen.

WhatsApp also allows the receiver to add members to the group call.

WhatsApp group video and audio call. (HT Photo)

WhatsApp group video and audio call. (HT Photo)

We tried this feature on both beta and stable versions of WhatsApp, and it works seamlessly. Along with the announcement for group calls, WhatsApp also said that it would roll out stickers for the messaging app. Stickers on WhatsApp have been visible on some beta versions of the app but the official rollout is yet to take place. WhatsApp will have its own collection of stickers and will also allow developers to create their own.

WhatsApp will also monetise its free business app which was launched earlier this January. WhatsApp said that it has now 3 million brands using its service. The company said that it will soon start charging major companies for using WhatsApp for Business.