WhatsApp has been gradually building out its group video calling capabilities through beta versions, as rival video calling services like Zoom, FaceTime and Skype have grown in popularity amid continued stay-at-home measures. At the same time, Facebook has launched Messenger Rooms, which allows up to eight people to join a group video call.
There are two ways to start an encrypted group voice or video call on WhatsApp with up to eight people (that is, seven other people, including yourself). You just have to make sure that you and anyone you want to call have updated to WhatsApp version 2.20.50, or it won’t work.
The easiest way to start a call is to open an active group chat and tap the video call or phone call button in the top right corner of the screen. If the group has more than eight participants, you will be asked which contacts you want to call, otherwise the call will start automatically.
You can also start a WhatsApp group call including anyone from your contact list. Simply follow the steps below.
Launch WhatsApp and select the Calls tab at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the call icon in the top right corner.
Select New Group Call at the top of the contact list.
Add up to seven participants by tapping them in your contacts. Once you’ve added the participants, tap the Video Call button (the camera icon) or the Audio Call option (the phone icon) to start the call.
If any of the participants you’ve chosen are using an older version of WhatsApp, you’ll be notified and the call won’t connect until they’ve all been upgraded.
