WhatsApp beta testing feature allowing group voice or video calls with up to eight participants

Currently, WhatsApp allows group video or voice calls of four participants per session. A new feature is being tested to increase the limit. — Reuters

Messaging application WhatsApp is testing an upcoming feature that will allow users to add more participants into group voice or video call sessions, according to website WABetaInfo.

The report stated that WhatsApp in beta version is rolling out a new feature letting users add up to seven participants for a group voice or video call session.

The website cited a new user interface (UI) for the feature in which the New Group Call feature comes with the message "Add up to 7 participants".

In one image, it appears that users on older versions of WhatsApp may not be able to participate in a group session with more than four participants. An alert will appear stating that for calls with eight people (seven participants plus the user initiating the call), "all participants need the latest version of WhatsApp".

Currently, group sessions are limited to four participants at a time, according to an official announcement by WhatsApp on Twitter earlier this month. WABetaInfo believes that WhatsApp will introduce the new limit for group sessions soon.

In another development, WhatsApp announced that users can access a Together At Home sticker pack to help them stay connected throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The sticker pack is made in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The new sticker pack feature expression for washing hands and appreciation for frontliners. — WhatsApp

The stickers can be used to help users express reminders like washing hands or to show appreciation for frontliners. WhatsApp claims billions of stickers are sent every day since the feature was first introduced in October 2018.