New WhatsApp update lets you choose who joins your group calls

WhatsApp is stepping up its game with new updates to its video calling functionality, introducing features aimed at simplifying group calls and making them more intuitive. With the holiday season in full swing, these changes are likely to resonate with users looking to connect seamlessly with family, friends, and colleagues. The latest enhancements include participant selection for group calls, new video effects, and a more user-friendly call interface on the desktop app.

Previously, WhatsApp group chats allowed users to initiate calls with the entire group, which could sometimes disturb members who were unavailable or uninterested in joining. Addressing this, WhatsApp has rolled out a feature allowing users to handpick participants when starting a group call. This means you can easily connect with only the people relevant to the discussion or surprise a specific member of the group without involving everyone else. This change streamlines group calling, making it less intrusive and more practical.

To add a fun twist to calls, WhatsApp has also introduced playful video call effects. Users can now spice up conversations with features like virtual puppy ears, underwater environments, and even a karaoke microphone effect. These additions are designed to make casual calls more engaging and entertaining, appealing especially to younger users.

For users who rely on WhatsApp’s desktop app, the platform has introduced a revamped call tab. The redesign prominently features options to start a call, create a call link, or dial a number directly. Alongside this, the app has improved video resolution for both one-on-one and group calls, ensuring a smoother and clearer visual experience across devices.

These updates follow a year of significant advancements in WhatsApp’s video call capabilities. The app now supports up to 32 participants in a call, a speaker spotlight feature to highlight the active speaker, and screen sharing with audio — all of which cater to both personal and professional users. As more organizations adopt WhatsApp for internal communications, these features position the app as a robust alternative to platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.