WhatsApp takes on Zoom and Google Meet with guest calling

WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature allowing people without accounts to join voice and video calls, positioning the messaging platform as a competitor to Zoom and Google Meet.

According to 9to5Mac, the feature enables users to invite non-registered participants into individual or group calls involving up to 32 people.

WhatsApp said the service offers free, end-to-end encrypted calls without time limits.

Guests can join through computer browsers without installing WhatsApp but must receive approval from the call host before participating.

Hosts can remove guests, while participants cannot access others’ phone numbers, send messages or invite additional callers.

The feature also supports screen sharing, emoji reactions and hand-raising during conversations.

Users can generate invitation links through WhatsApp’s Calls tab and share them with intended participants.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp announced plans to integrate Google Calendar and Outlook later this year, enabling users to create call links directly from calendar invitations.

The integrations will require a WhatsApp plugin and connected account.