WhatsApp Enhances Calling Features in Time for the Holidays

As the festive season approaches, WhatsApp is rolling out new updates to improve its calling functionalities. With over 2 billion audio and video calls conducted daily on the platform, these updates aim to enhance connectivity during the holidays.

One major addition is the ability to select specific participants when initiating a call from a group chat. Previously, starting a call from a group automatically invited all members, but now users can choose exactly who to include. This feature is particularly useful for organizing private discussions, such as surprise party planning, without notifying everyone in the group.

Additionally, WhatsApp has enhanced its video call quality, introducing higher resolution playback for both individual and group calls. To add some fun to video chats, the app now includes new visual effects, similar to Snapchat filters, such as playful features like puppy ears. The desktop version of WhatsApp is also receiving attention, with updates to the “Calls” tab: users can now easily start calls, create call links, or directly dial a number, streamlining the process for those connecting via their computers.

These updates come as WhatsApp continues to expand its user base, and are far from the first overhauls the platform has gotten – earlier this year, there were a number of changes, including the addition of voice note transcripts . The app’s focus on private messaging and seamless communication has made it a go-to platform for both personal and professional interactions – something that will become incredibly useful in the lead-up to the holidays, with these changes hopefully being permanent additions to the platform.