Have big news to share with a big group? WhatsApp has made it easier with the introduction of Voice Chats.
The new function enables you to talk in real time with other members of a bumper WhatsApp group who are free to chat, without calling every person.
Voice chats start with an in-chat bubble, which users can then tap to join, setting up a live conversation with those who are available – while allowing those who aren’t to keep sending messages in the group chat.
Group members will receive a WhatsApp notification alerting them to the chat, rather than a call.
Voice Chats offer an alternative to voice calls, which ring everyone in the group, or voice notes.
Call controls also remain embedded at the top of the chat, so users can quickly unmute, hang up or message the group without having to leave the conversation.
The company said the new function will be rolled out over the coming weeks to iOS and Android, starting with groups of 33 people or more – up to a maximum of 128.
How to start a voice chat on WhatsApp
- Open the group chat you want to start your voice chat with
- Tap the blue soundwave icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Tap ‘Start Voice Chat’
- To leave a voice chat, tap the red X
- Calls will end automatically after everyone has left the chat, or if no one joins the first or last person in the chat for 60 minutes
WhatsApp also notes the feature is only available on primary devices.
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