WhatsApp has just rolled out powerful new updates for group calls, including call scheduling, raise hand, emoji reactions, and improved call link notifications. These features turn WhatsApp into more than just a chat app—it's now a lightweight video meeting tool for teams, students, communities, and families. In this guide, we'll explain each feature in detail and show you how to use them effectively, whether for online meetings, remote learning, or social gatherings.
What New Features Has WhatsApp Added?
The recent update introduces several key upgrades focused on group calls:
Group Call Scheduling – schedule meetings in advance and send reminders.
Raise Hand Option – let participants indicate when they want to speak.
Emoji Reactions – allow real-time interaction without interrupting speakers.
Enhanced Call Links – call creators get notifications when someone joins.
Together, these additions make WhatsApp a more versatile tool for online meetings, group discussions, and even professional collaborations.
1. Group Call Scheduling: Stay Organized and On Time
Previously, WhatsApp group calls had to be started on the spot, and participants could easily miss notifications. Now, with the new call scheduling feature, you can organize meetings in advance directly from the app.
Here's how it works:
Open the Calls tab and tap the "+" button.
Select Schedule Call.
Choose a date and time for the call.
Share the link with participants or add it to your calendar.
All invited participants will receive a notification before the call begins.
Use cases:
Weekly team meetings.
Online study groups.
Family video calls across time zones.
This feature brings WhatsApp closer to platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, while keeping the process simple and mobile-friendly.
2. Raise Hand Option: Keep Group Discussions Organized
One of the biggest challenges in group calls is when multiple people talk at once. To solve this, WhatsApp has introduced a "Raise Hand" feature.
During a group call, participants can tap the Raise Hand button if they want to contribute.
The host will see who has raised their hand and can manage speaking turns more effectively.
Once someone finishes, the host can invite the next participant to speak.
Use cases:
Teachers running online classes.
Training sessions or webinars.
Team brainstorming discussions.
This feature aligns WhatsApp with professional tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams but keeps it lightweight and user-friendly.
3. Emoji Reactions: Express Yourself Instantly
Sometimes, you don't need to speak—you just want to show agreement or share a quick reaction. WhatsApp's new emoji reactions during calls make this possible.
You can send quick reactions like, like, laugh, or applaud during a group call.
Reactions appear instantly without interrupting the speaker.
It makes conversations more engaging and lively.
Use cases:
Quickly agree with a point during meetings.
Show appreciation or support in a class discussion.
Make family or social calls more fun and expressive.
This lightweight interaction style is perfect for casual or semi-formal group conversations.
4. Improved Call Links: Manage Participants with Ease
WhatsApp already allowed users to join calls via links, but hosts had limited visibility on who was actually joining. With the new call link notification upgrade:
Call creators now receive a notification every time someone joins via the link.
This helps track attendance and ensure all participants are welcomed.
It also provides better oversight for group organizers.
Use cases:
Event organizers tracking attendance.
Teams checking who's present and who's missing.
Online community leaders managing participation.
This makes WhatsApp more reliable for managing structured group activities.
WhatsApp vs. Traditional Meeting Apps
You may wonder: why use WhatsApp for meetings when tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams exist?
Advantages of WhatsApp:
Extremely widespread—almost everyone already has it installed.
Simple and intuitive—no extra learning curve.
Works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop.
Great for small teams, students, families, and social groups.
Limitations:
Not designed for very large meetings (100+ participants).
Lacks advanced tools like breakout rooms or screen sharing (for now).
In short, WhatsApp is ideal for lightweight, small-to-medium group calls where accessibility and simplicity matter most.
Why These Updates Matter
These updates are not just cosmetic—they represent WhatsApp's move toward becoming more than just a messaging platform.
For professionals: Teams can now use WhatsApp as a quick meeting solution without switching apps.
For educators: Teachers can hold online lessons and maintain order with the Raise Hand feature.
For communities: Organizers can host discussions, Q&A sessions, and events directly within WhatsApp.
For families: Scheduling calls across time zones is now much easier.
In a world where remote communication is increasingly essential, these features make WhatsApp a serious contender in the video meeting space.
Final Thoughts
With features like scheduling, Raise Hand, emoji reactions, and upgraded call links, WhatsApp is evolving into a powerful yet simple platform for group communication.
It may not replace Zoom or Teams for enterprise-level events, but for everyday meetings, classes, and social calls, WhatsApp offers a convenient, accessible, and user-friendly solution.
If you haven't tried these features yet, update WhatsApp today and explore the new group call experience—it may just replace the way you run your next meeting.
Have you tried WhatsApp's new group call features yet? Which one do you think will be most useful for your daily meetings or online gatherings?
