WhatsApp Introduces Discord-Like Voice Chats for Large Groups
WhatsApp is taking a page out of Discord’s book with its latest feature update. The popular messaging platform, owned by Meta, has announced the introduction of voice chats for large groups, resembling the functionality found on Discord. This new feature aims to provide a less disruptive alternative to group calls, which typically ring every member in a group. Instead, voice chats on WhatsApp can be initiated quietly, with an in-chat bubble that users can tap to join. This allows participants to engage in conversations without interrupting others or being interrupted themselves.
Less Disruption, More Convenience
WhatsApp’s voice chat feature allows users to discuss various topics with anyone who can join the chat, while still being able to message those who are unable to participate. The convenience of this feature lies in the ability to quickly unmute, hang up, or message the group without having to leave the ongoing voice chat. The call controls are conveniently located at the top of the chat, providing seamless multitasking capabilities.
Rollout and Security
The rollout of voice chats on WhatsApp will occur globally for large groups in the coming weeks, starting with groups consisting of 33 people or more. To ensure privacy and security, WhatsApp ensures that voice chats are protected with end-to-end encryption by default. This means that conversations are secure and can only be accessed by the participants involved.
Following the Trend
WhatsApp’s introduction of voice chats aligns it with other popular platforms such as Discord, Telegram, and Slack, which already offer similar features. These voice chat functionalities allow large groups of people to connect and communicate via spoken conversations, fostering engagement and collaboration.
Continued Innovation
The release of voice chats on WhatsApp comes as no surprise, as reports from August indicated that the company was testing this feature in beta. Additionally, WhatsApp has been actively adding new features to its platform in recent months. These include the ability to use two accounts simultaneously, passkey support on Android, and the introduction of “Flows” to enhance the shopping experience within the app.
Growing Engagement and Revenue
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently shared during the company’s Q3 earnings call that users and businesses are interacting more than 600 million times per day across its platforms. This significant engagement has contributed to the growth of Meta’s revenue, with the WhatsApp Business platform playing a significant role. In Q3, revenue from family of apps and other sources reached $293 million, a 53% increase compared to the previous year.
With the introduction of voice chats for large groups, WhatsApp continues to evolve and enhance its messaging platform, catering to the needs of its vast user base. As the rollout progresses, users can expect a more seamless and inclusive communication experience within their favorite WhatsApp groups.