From chats to channels, a quick look at the latest WhatsApp features

Read Time:2 Minute, 37 Second

With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is already one of the largest instant messaging apps in the world, and is soon expected to hit the 3 billion mark. Owing to its popularity, WhatsApp developers often roll out new features and are always spotted on bringing some new functionality to the platform. If you haven’t been able to catch up on the latest WhatsApp features, here’s a quick look at some recently added features.

Group chat online indicator

Similar to individual chats, WhatsApp now has an online group chat indicator, which shows how many people are ‘Online’ in real time under the group name. However, the app doesn’t show who exactly is online.

Prioritise group chat notifications

Many of us are part of several WhatsApp work, family and friend groups, which leaves our phones constantly buzzing. However, WhatsApp’s new feature might help you focus only on important notifications. Using the new ‘Notify for’ setting, WhatsApp says you can use the ‘Highlights’ option to limit notifications for replies, messages from saved contacts and mentions.

Story continues below this ad

Create event in personal chats

Group events on WhatsApp are pretty common, but now, users can also create events in personal chats. Developers say they have also added the ability to RSVP as ‘maybe’, invite another person, add an end date and time and even pin it in the chat.

Tappable reactions

If you want to see how someone else in the conversation did, WhatsApp now lets you quickly check everyone else’s reactions and choose the one you want to send.

Scan documents

WhatsApp recently added a bunch of new features to the iPhone version of the app. This includes the ability to scan documents from WhatsApp, eliminating the need to install any third party solutions. Simply choose the ‘Scan document’ option from the attachment tray and follow the instructions.

Set WhatsApp as default calling and messaging app on iPhone

A few weeks ago, WhatsApp also added the ability to set the app as the default calling and messaging app on iOS. This means when you call or message your contacts from your iPhone, it will automatically be a WhatsApp call and message.

Story continues below this ad

Zoom in video calls

Pinch to zoom in video calls is another iPhone exclusive WhatsApp feature that lets you get a closer look at your own feed or that of the other person.