WhatsApp allows calls without account or app installed

O WhatsApp announced the launch of a new feature that will allow users of the service to invite people who do not have the app installed on the device or even an account created. The update has already begun to reach some users, guessing it will be available for all operating systems soon.

To invite a person who does not have an account in WhatsApp to participate in a video call is easy and you will only have to open the application, go to the Calls tab, press the green button in the bottom left corner and choose New call link.

You will then be taken to a new page where you will have the options to send the link via WhatsApp, copy the link to send manually or even select the share option that allows you to send through apps that you have already installed – such as Gmail, Teams, etc.

“ Guests can use the same essential features of the call, such as sharing the computer screen to collaborate and review materials, react with a thumb up or a heart emoji or raise your hand to participate.”, can be read in thewhatsApp blog entry.

It is also important to mention that the user who is invited to participate through these links may have to be approved by the video creator to enter the session, with an option in the settings to activate this additional security measure.

“Anyone who joins as a guest needs the approval of the call organizer. The guests will enter a waiting room until the organizer lets them in and the guests can be removed from the call at any time. Guests cannot see other participants’ mobile numbers, send messages or add other people directly to the call”explains the company.

These calls are completely free, support a total of 32 people, have no duration limits and rely on point-to-point encryption of WhatsApp, thus ensuring users' privacy.

WhatsApp promises not to stick around and it goes that “this year”, it will “implement new calendar integrations so you can create a call by WhatsApp directly from your Google or Outlook calendar”.