WhatsApp now allows people without an account on the platform to join calls with existing users of the messaging app. This includes both one-on-one calls and group calls with up to 32 members at once.
In a post on its blog, WhatsApp says that this includes no time limits or additional fees. Like the calls of regular users with accounts, calls with guests are also encrypted end-to-end.
Hosts of a call can generate an invite by going to the "Calls" tab in the app and hitting the "+" button. From there, simply tap on the "New call link" option and share the link with the guest.
The guest will then be placed in a waiting room once the link is opened, requiring the call's host to approve their entry into the call.
Something to note is that guests will not be shown the phone numbers of other participants in a group call, nor be able to send messages or directly add anyone else to the call. Hosts can also remove guests from a call at any time.
Guests will, however, be able to react to things in the call with emojis, share their screen, and press the "raise hand" button in the call.
The blog further says that Google and Outlook calendar integration is on the way later this year. When available, users will be able to install a plugin that allows the creation of WhatsApp calls and send out invitations directly in their calendar of choice.
