WhatsApp Adds Discord-Inspired Audio Chat for Large Groups: Recent Update

In a recent announcement, Meta-owned WhatsApp revealed the rollout of a new voice chat feature for large groups, resembling Discord’s functionality. This feature aims to reduce disruption compared to conventional group calls that ring all members simultaneously. Voice chats commence discreetly, with an in-chat bubble for seamless entry.

Participants can engage in discussions with those present while continuing to message individuals unable to join. Users can easily unmute, disconnect, or message the group without exiting the voice chat, accessed through call controls atop the chat.

The global deployment of voice chats for large groups will unfold in the coming weeks, initially targeting groups with 33 or more participants. WhatsApp underscores the default end-to-end encryption protecting voice chats.

The operational mechanics of voice chats on WhatsApp closely mirror analogous features on Discord, Telegram, and Slack, fostering spoken communication within expansive groups.

While the launch of this feature wasn’t entirely unexpected, as WABetaInfo reported its beta testing in August, it adds to WhatsApp’s recent feature enhancements. These include simultaneous account usage, passkey support on Android, and the “Flows” functionality enriching the shopping experience by enabling actions within the app, such as flight seat selection or appointment booking.

This introduction aligns with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s recent disclosure during the Q3 earnings call, emphasizing that users and businesses interact over 600 million times daily across Meta’s platforms. Notably, the revenue generated from the family of apps and other sources reached $293 million in Q3, marking a 53% YoY increase, largely driven by the WhatsApp Business platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to WhatsApp’s addition of Discord-like Audio Chat for Large Groups:

1. How do I use WhatsApp’s new voice chat feature for large groups?

• A: To use the voice chat feature, simply join a large group chat on WhatsApp, and look for the in-chat bubble to start a voice chat without ringing every member.

2. Can I message participants who are not in the voice chat?

• A: Yes, you can continue messaging those who haven’t joined the voice chat while engaging in the conversation.

3. Is the new voice chat feature available globally?

• A: Yes, WhatsApp is rolling out voice chats for large groups worldwide over the next few weeks, beginning with groups of 33 or more people.

4. How do I protect the privacy of voice chats on WhatsApp?

• A: WhatsApp ensures end-to-end encryption by default, providing privacy and security for voice chats.

5. Can I perform actions like unmuting or hanging up without leaving the voice chat?

• A: Yes, you can easily unmute, hang up, or message the group without exiting the voice chat using the call controls at the top of the chat.

6. Does WhatsApp’s voice chat work similarly to other platforms like Discord and Telegram?

• A: Yes, voice chats on WhatsApp function similarly to features on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Slack, facilitating spoken communication for large groups.

7. When did WhatsApp start testing the voice chat feature?

• A: WhatsApp began testing the voice chat feature in beta, as reported by WABetaInfo in August.

8. What other recent features has WhatsApp introduced?

• A: WhatsApp has introduced features such as simultaneous account usage, passkey support on Android, and the “Flows” functionality to enhance the overall user experience.