After many rumors, WhatsApp is finally increasing the cap for video and audio calling to eight participants now. The popular instant messenger has long been criticized for restricting the participant limit for video calling, while its rival messengers are going up to 16! Now, as per WABetaInfo reports, the new version 2.20.133 is allowing group calls up to 8 participants, provided that everyone is using an updated version.
A Much Needed Update In The Right Time
The Facebook-owned instant messenger is having more than two billion active users. Thus, it’s expected to inject new features every time to keep people entertained. Further, lockdowns caused by ongoing pandemic has put further pressure on online platforms to keep citizens around the world engaged and connected. While these reasons have pushed many video conferencing apps and OTT platforms up, messengers like WhatsApp, too, were focused much.
And, the messenger, is finally bringing a much-needed upgrade – increasing the group call limit. This was reported earlier by WABetaInfo, but now, it’s official. The beta testers who’re in the version of 2.20.133, can see the new cap limit. If you’re a beta tester and downloaded the latest update, navigate to the group call button and check the increased limit. WhatsApp is also found making slight changes to the Call button function too.
According to the new update, if you’re in a group of 4 or less, a call will be initiated directly once after you tap the Call button. But if you’re in a group of 5 and above, you’ll be prompted to select which participants to be connected for the conference call, where you can pick up to 7 participants. It has to be noted that this new limit of 8 members (including you) is only possible if all the supposed participants are using the updated version.
As said, this feature is available for those in version 2.20.133. While this is a beta version yet, WhatsApp will soon be rolling this to the general public.
Source: WABetaInfo
