Whats-App, the instant messaging and calling service app, is introducing a new feature that allows users to share a direct link to a call, making it easier to stay in touch with family and friends. The Call Links feature will be available on WhatsApp this week, accessible via a banner at the top of the Calls tab. the app users who want to test the Call Link feature will need to download the most recent version of the app.

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On Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature, saying that Whats-App users would be able to share a link to a call with “a single tap.” The ability to share a call link with up to 32 users was teased back in April when WhatsApp Communities, another upcoming feature, was announced.

The Call Links feature will support both audio and video calls, and Zuckerberg confirmed that encrypted video calling is currently being tested for group calls of up to 32 people, which is noteworthy given that WhatsApp currently limits video calls to eight users.

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With increased call capacity, WhatsApp becomes a competitor to Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. These competing offerings have significantly higher caller capacity (100 for Google and Microsoft Teams and 300 for Zoom). They do, however, have limitations such as call duration for free accounts and may not be the first choice for the billions of people who already chat on WhatsApp. WhatsApp did not mention any call duration restrictions, which could position it as one of the best free video calling apps for small teams and personal networks once the feature is widely available.

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