WhatsApp announces new ‘Schedule Calls’ feature for group and personal calls

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that will let users schedule calls in advance on the popular instant messaging platform. The new ‘Schedule Calls’ feature will be applicable to both group and one-on-one conversations. All those who have been added to a scheduled group WhatsApp call will receive a notification when the call is about to begin. As per the Meta-owned company, the new feature will gradually become available to all users globally.

The new call feature will be available under the call tab. The user needs to then click the + button and select the “Schedule Call feature”. Additionally, people can invite colleagues and friends of their own without having to send individual alerts to call participants. People can also track their upcoming scheduled calls from the calls tab from now onwards. Moreover, the calls that have been scheduled could be added and synced to the Google Calendar. Users who schedule WhatsApp calls in advance will receive notifications when someone joins their call via a shared link.

Meta-owned WhatsApp is already used by millions of users worldwide for calling people without a SIM card over the internet. The new call feature is helping WhatsApp compete with platforms that offer similar features, like Zoom and Google Meet.

WhatsApp says it has made UI changes to make it easier for users to manage calls. “We’re launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings,” WhatsApp said in a press note.