WhatsApp has made it easier to start a group video call now. You can now group video call your friends and family directly from a group chat. In a twitter release, WhatsApp said:
We've made it easier than ever to start a group call from WhatsApp for groups of 4 or less. From your group chat tap the video or voice call icon to directly start a call with everyone in the chat! 🙌
— WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) April 7, 2020
Yesterday, WhatsApp also updated their policy regarding forwarded messages. The company has limited forwarding of the message to one chat at a time only.
For the single group call, use these steps:
1. Go to the group
2. Tap on the Call + button
3. Select the participants you want to call
The only limitation here is that you can only add up to four participants in the group video call.
This ease solves the problem of searching through the long list of contacts to group video call. Now, you won't need to put calls on hold till someone picks up.
Earlier this week, Facebook had said that the messaging on its platforms increased by over 50 per cent globally. It also highlighted that video and voice calling on Messenger and WhatsApp doubled in the areas that were hit the most by the pandemic. Earlier this month, WhatsApp also reduces the video timing for status from 30 to 15 seconds.
Several people have voiced their appreciation for the move as well.
Nice idea
— Akardi_KE 🇰🇪♪ (@AngasaJeff) April 7, 2020
Also,
Super News 👈🏻😂😂😂😂
— Chandan pandey (@Chandan1pandey) April 7, 2020
Some also raised concern over the number of participants in a video call.
You tweeted this to remind to ask you why the shit it still can only allows to chat for only 4. Increase the numbers 🤦♂️. We are in 2020
— Vyshakh Babu (@VyshakhMmb) April 7, 2020
Over 2 billion people use WhatsApp in the world. The company's policies are a relief amid coronavirus lockdown as people are relying on it for communication.