All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

WhatsApp Web adds audio/video calling, call transfer, and waiting rooms

Created at 28 Jul · 3:07 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

WhatsApp is expanding its calling features to the web app, allowing users to make and receive audio and video calls directly from their browser. The update also includes call transfer capabilities, waiting rooms for group calls, and background noise suppression.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Who's Involved

WhatsApp
messaging platform rolling out new calling features
Meta
parent company of WhatsApp
WhatsApp Web adds audio/video calling, call transfer, and waiting rooms

↳ Why This Matters

The integration of calling features into WhatsApp Web significantly enhances the platform's utility for users who prefer or require desktop access for communication, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop experiences.

Key facts

  • WhatsApp users can now make and receive audio and video calls directly through WhatsApp for Web.
  • The web app's Calls tab will display call history and favorites.
  • Features like screen-sharing and reactions are now available on WhatsApp for Web.
  • Users can transfer active calls between devices without disconnecting.
  • A new waiting room feature allows hosts to manage entry to group calls.
  • Background noise suppression has been added to filter out ambient sounds.
  • Video calls will now stream in high definition from the beginning.

WhatsApp has expanded its calling functionality to its web application, enabling users to make and receive audio and video calls directly from their browser. Previously, calls were limited to the smartphone app or native desktop applications.

The updated web interface now features a Calls tab, mirroring the functionality of the mobile and desktop apps by displaying call history and favorite contacts. Users can also utilize features such as screen-sharing and reactions during calls on the web platform.

In addition to web calling, WhatsApp is introducing several other call-related updates. Users can now transfer calls between devices without needing to hang up, allowing for seamless transitions from desktop to mobile or vice versa. The platform is also implementing a waiting room feature for group calls, giving hosts control over who joins by requiring approval to enter. This feature is particularly useful for professional or organized calls.

Further enhancements include background noise suppression to improve audio clarity and the streaming of video calls in high definition from the initial moments of the conversation. These updates aim to enhance the overall calling experience on WhatsApp across all supported platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, WhatsApp for Web now supports audio and video calls, including group calls, with features like a waiting room for host control.

New features include call transfer between devices, waiting rooms for group calls, background noise suppression, and high-definition video from the start of calls.

The calling functionality is integrated into the WhatsApp for Web interface, accessible via your browser, with a dedicated Calls tab for call history.

What Happens Next

01Usernames will soon be usable for cross-platform calling.
02WhatsApp will continue to roll out these new calling features globally.

Get the newsletter.

Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

Cadence
CME Headlines
  • Is AI Making Inflation Better or Worse?
    22 Jul · 3:26 PM

How It Developed

WhatsApp now supports audio and video calls via its web app.
The web interface includes a Calls tab for call history and favorites.
Screen-sharing and reactions are supported on WhatsApp for Web calls.
Users can transfer calls between devices without hanging up.
A waiting room feature allows hosts to control access to group calls.
Background noise suppression is being introduced for clearer calls.
WhatsApp will stream video calls in high definition from the start.
WhatsApp recently enabled reservations for usernames for cross-platform calling.

Sources

T1
WhatsApp now lets you make calls using its web appTechCrunch

Related Stories

Threads users can now chat with Meta AI in DMs
27 Jul · 5:06 PM
Granola launches Apple Watch app for meeting transcription
28 Jul · 1:32 PM
ChatGPT restricts mimicking author styles, citing ethical concerns
27 Jul · 5:06 PM
Amazon seeks FCC license for satellite network to compete with SpaceX
27 Jul · 6:31 PM
Apple launches US device leasing program with Klarna
28 Jul · 12:52 PM