WhatsApp enhances calling features with screen sharing audio, 32-participant calls, & more

WhatsApp is rolling out three major updates to enhance its calling features across iPhones, Android, web, and PCs. These updates aim to make calls "even bigger and better" and will be available over the next few weeks.

One key update is screen sharing with audio, enabling users to share both their screen and audio simultaneously, ideal for activities like watching videos together. Additionally, the number of participants in a video call will increase to 32, accommodating larger groups. Another feature, speaker spotlight, will automatically highlight and display the current speaker first in large video calls.

Since introducing calling in 2015, WhatsApp has added group calls, video calls, and multi-platform support. Recently, its parent company Meta launched the MLow codec to enhance call quality. This codec improves noise and echo cancellation, ensuring clearer audio even on poor networks or older devices. Video call quality will also see improvements, offering higher resolution for users with faster internet connections. With these video call improvements, WhatsApp is becoming a viable and accessible option for simple video meetings compared to platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.