WhatsApp has started offering voice and video calling support on WhatsApp Web, allowing users to make calls directly from a web browser without installing a desktop app. The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo and is currently available to a limited number of users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program. This update marks a significant expansion of WhatsApp Web’s capabilities, bringing it closer to feature parity with the mobile and desktop apps.
As part of the initial rollout, WhatsApp Web now supports one-to-one voice and video calls directly from individual chats. Eligible users can initiate a call by clicking the voice or video call buttons within a conversation, similar to the experience with mobile and desktop clients.
The add-on is especially useful for Linux users who currently do not have access to an official WhatsApp desktop app and mostly depend on the web client for communication.
According to the report, calls made through WhatsApp Web remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring the same level of privacy and security as calls on other platforms.
Video calls in the web client also support screen sharing, allowing users to share screen content in real time. However, screen sharing is only available during video calls and not just for voice chats.
WhatsApp group calling comes later
WhatsApp is also said to be working on group calling support for WhatsApp Web. Once released, group calls are expected to support up to 32 participants, along with features such as call links and scheduled calls. These extensions are currently under development and will be released after further testing.
Voice and video calling on WhatsApp Web is currently rolling out to a limited group of beta users, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks. Group calling support is planned to arrive at a later stage.
