WhatsApp is stepping up its game in the video-calling space, introducing powerful new features designed to compete with industry giants like FaceTime and Zoom. According to 9to5Mac, the Meta-owned messaging platform has rolled out screen sharing with audio, expanded participant limits, and speaker spotlight, making virtual conversations more seamless and engaging than ever before.
For years, WhatsApp has been a go-to app for messaging, but its video-calling capabilities lagged behind dedicated platforms like Zoom and FaceTime. Now, WhatsApp is closing the gap by introducing screen sharing with audio, allowing users to watch videos together, collaborate on projects, or even troubleshoot devices remotely. As noted by CIO Women Magazine, this feature enhances the app’s usability for both personal and professional interactions.
Additionally, WhatsApp has expanded its participant limit to 32 people per call, a significant jump from the previous eight-person cap. This upgrade makes WhatsApp a more viable option for large meetings, virtual events, and family gatherings, putting it on par with Zoom’s capabilities (The Independent).
Speaker Spotlight and Enhanced Call Quality
Another standout feature is Speaker Spotlight, which automatically highlights the person speaking, ensuring they appear first in the row of participants. This feature, already a staple in Zoom, enhances the overall usability of group calls, making conversations more fluid and engaging as reported by 9to5Mac
WhatsApp has also improved audio and video quality with the introduction of the MLow codec, which enhances noise and echo cancellation. This means clearer conversations, even in noisy environments, and higher-resolution video calls for users with strong network connections .
Industry Experts Weigh In
Tech analysts believe WhatsApp’s latest upgrades signal a strategic shift toward competing with established video-calling platforms. According to The Independent, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has emphasized the importance of making WhatsApp a full-fledged communication hub, rather than just a messaging app.
Industry experts suggest that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption gives it a unique edge over competitors, particularly in corporate environments where security is a priority. Additionally, its cross-platform accessibility,available on both Android and iOS makes it a more inclusive option compared to FaceTime, which is limited to Apple devices.
User Reactions and Adoption
Early adopters of the new features have praised WhatsApp’s improvements, particularly the screen-sharing function. Many users have noted that it enhances remote collaboration, making it easier to share presentations, watch videos together, or assist friends and family with troubleshooting tasks.
Social media discussions indicate that WhatsApp’s expanded participant limit is a welcome change, especially for users who rely on the app for group meetings and virtual hangouts. Some users, however, have expressed concerns about call stability, particularly in regions with weaker internet connections.
Competing with the Best
With these upgrades, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a serious contender in the video-calling market. While FaceTime remains a favorite among Apple users and Zoom dominates professional meetings, WhatsApp’s new features, security advantages, and accessibility make it a strong alternative.
As Meta continues to refine WhatsApp’s capabilities, these enhancements signal a shift toward a more versatile communication platform, one that could soon rival the biggest names in video conferencing
