WhatsApp has released an update that allows you to make video calls with up to eight people. The expansion was previously announced, but is now officially available.
WhatsApp video calling now possible with 8 people
Previously, you could video call a maximum of four people via WhatsApp. The update is rolling out in phases. So it may take a few days for the feature to be available on your iPhone. To call with seven others, everyone must have the latest version of WhatsApp on their iPhone. Check? Then follow the steps below to make video calls via WhatsApp:
- open WhatsApp;
- Tap the ‘Conversations’ tab;
- Then press the plus icon in the top right corner;
- On the next screen, tap on ‘New Group Conversation’;
- Choose the people you want to call. So this can be up to seven others;
- With the buttons on the screen you can switch between a video and audio call.
Of course it is also important that all participants have a stable internet connection. If this is not the case, hiccups may occur. In that case, it is better to switch to an audio call, because that is less taxing for an internet connection.
It is also important to know that conversations are encrypted end-to-end. Others can therefore not listen in to the content. On Android, the update will roll out a little later. You may therefore not be able to make video calls together if your friends have, for example, a Huawei or Samsung smartphone.
Video calling with your iPhone
With the latest update, WhatsApp is on par with competing chat apps, such as Houseparty, in terms of video calling. This app has been extremely popular for a few weeks and has allowed you to make video calls with up to seven others for some time.
Besides Houseparty and WhatsApp, there are a lot of other apps for video calling on your iPhone. In the video below we discuss some great options. For example, FaceTime lets you video call up to 32 people at the same time and with Google Hangouts you can catch up with up to 9 others.