News in Short

• WhatsApp is reportedly developing a Guest Calls feature.
• The feature could let people without WhatsApp accounts join calls.
• Guests may be able to enter through a secure invite link using a web browser.
• Hosts could create the link directly from the Calls tab.
• The host may need to approve each guest before they enter.

WhatsApp could soon make it easier to bring people into a call, even if they do not use WhatsApp.

The messaging platform is reportedly working on a Guest Calls feature that would allow people without a WhatsApp account to join calls through a web browser. If launched, the feature could remove one of the biggest barriers to inviting non-WhatsApp users into a conversation.

At present, someone who does not have a WhatsApp account cannot simply join a WhatsApp call. The reported feature could change that by allowing hosts to send an invitation link instead.

How WhatsApp Guest Calls could work

The process is expected to be fairly straightforward.

A WhatsApp user could create a call link from the Calls tab. They would then be able to select the type of call, generate an invite and share the link with other participants.

The recipient would open the link in a web browser. If they do not have a WhatsApp account, they could reportedly join as a guest without downloading the app or signing up for an account.

This could make WhatsApp calls more useful in situations where not everyone in a group uses the platform.

For example, someone could invite a colleague, client or friend to a call without asking them to create a WhatsApp account first.

The host could control who joins

WhatsApp is reportedly planning controls that give the person hosting the call more say over guest access.

According to the report, the host would need to manually approve each guest’s request before they can enter the call.

That could be an important privacy measure, especially when users share call links with multiple people.

The host would also reportedly be able to manage participants during the conversation. This could include adding or removing people and ending the call for everyone.

End-to-end encryption expected

Privacy will be another important part of the feature.

The reported Guest Calls functionality is expected to support end-to-end encryption, which would keep the call protected while participants communicate.

However, WhatsApp has not officially announced the feature yet. Therefore, the final implementation and privacy controls could change before a wider release.

No WhatsApp account or app required

The most useful part of the reported feature is its potential to remove the account requirement.

Today, inviting someone to a WhatsApp call can become inconvenient if that person does not use WhatsApp. They first need to install the app and create an account.

Guest Calls could make the process closer to joining a traditional web-based video meeting. A participant could simply receive a link, open it in a browser and request access.

That could also make WhatsApp more practical for work-related conversations, group discussions and one-off calls.

When will WhatsApp Guest Calls launch?

There is no confirmed release date yet.

The feature is currently under development and is not available for testing through the beta release at the time of the report.

WhatsApp could introduce it through a future update, although the company has not confirmed when that will happen.

If the feature reaches users, it could make WhatsApp calls more accessible by opening them to people who do not have an account on the platform.