WhatsApp equips group calls with scheduling, response, and raise-hand capabilities
WhatsApp Introduces New Group Call Features, Positioning Itself Against Conferencing Platforms
In a strategic move to bolster its position in the global communications market, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has rolled out a series of new features for group calls. As of August 2025, the platform now offers call scheduling, a "raise hand" option, in-call emoji reactions, and improved call link notifications.
These features aim to make group calls easier to plan, more interactive, and better managed. Users can schedule video or voice group calls in advance, send invites, get automated reminders, and preview who is already on a call before joining. The "raise hand" feature allows participants to signal when they want to speak without interrupting, and emoji reactions enable quick non-verbal responses during calls. Additionally, call link creators now get notified when someone joins via a shared link.
All group calls remain end-to-end encrypted for privacy, ensuring that conversations remain secure. This feature sets WhatsApp apart from some of its competitors, as not all platforms offer this level of security.
Comparatively, platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer more advanced features for large-scale professional meetings. While WhatsApp primarily targets smaller, more casual or semi-professional group calls, these platforms excel in areas such as scalability, rich meeting controls, and tight ecosystem integrations.
Despite the introduction of these new features, WhatsApp's core messaging and media sharing functions remain operational in countries where its voice and video calls are blocked, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. In these regions, users must rely on government-approved alternatives like Botim, C'Me, or WeChat.
Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, reported strong quarterly earnings with a 22% year-on-year revenue increase to $47.5 billion. The latest update is part of WhatsApp's efforts to expand beyond text messaging and solidify its place as a contender in the global communications market.
In addition to these new features, users can now schedule calls directly from the "Calls" tab and receive reminders before a call begins. Call link creators also get notifications when someone joins via their link. Daily active users across Meta's family of apps grew to 3.48 billion.
With these updates, WhatsApp is positioning itself more directly against conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, offering a more casual, mobile-first alternative for smaller group calls with end-to-end encryption.
- WhatsApp, a Meta-owned platform, has introduced new group call features, setting itself against conferencing platforms.
- The Gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have blocked WhatsApp's voice and video calls, forcing users to use alternative apps.
- WhatsApp's new features include call scheduling, a "raise hand" option, in-call emoji reactions, and improved call link notifications.
- The goal of these features is to make group calls easier to plan, more interactive, and better managed.
- Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, reported strong quarterly earnings with a 22% year-on-year revenue increase.
- Despite the introduction of these new features, WhatsApp primarily targets smaller, more casual or semi-professional group calls.
- Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer more advanced features for large-scale professional meetings.
- The Gulf countries, like Israel, Lebanon, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, are regions where these new WhatsApp features could be beneficial.
- With these updates, WhatsApp is aiming to expand beyond text messaging and solidify its place as a contender in the global communications market, with a focus on smartphones and gadgets technology.
