Update (4/28/20 @ 2:20 PM ET): 8 member video and voice calls are now rolling out to WhatsApp Stable.

WhatsApp's group audio and video calling feature, which was released all the way back in 2018, is finally getting a much-needed upgrade. According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, the latest beta release of the popular messaging app increases the limit of participants in group audio and video calls, allowing users to connect with up to 7 more users at the same time. Previously, group calls were limited to a maximum of 4 participants but with the latest beta update (v2.20.133), you will now be able to add up to 7 of your friends to a group call.

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News about the increased limit first surfaced online just a couple of days ago, when WABetaInfo spotted strings of code regarding the update in WhatsApp beta for Android (v2.2.128). The increased limit is finally rolling out in the latest beta release and, following the update, users will be able to add up to 7 other contacts to any given group audio or video call. In order to add more than 4 participants to a group call, you will have to head over to the Call tab and then tap on the New Group Call option (see attached screenshot). In the following menu, you'll be able to choose up to 7 more people in your contacts list to connect with on a group audio or video call. It's worth noting that the feature will only work if all participants are on the latest beta release for WhatsApp.

On top of that, WhatsApp has also made some minor changes to the way the call button works within groups. The button will now let you directly start a call with group members in case you're in a group with 4 members (or less) and all participants will be added to the call. In cases where there are more than 4 members in a group, the call button will bring up a list of all the group members and you'll be able to choose the people you wish to add to the group call. To try out the new features, you can sign up for the WhatsApp beta program by following this link and then download the latest update from the Play Store link below.

WhatsApp Messenger Developer: WhatsApp LLC
Price: Free
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Source: WABetaInfo


Update: Official

WhatsApp Beta increased the maximum number of users in voice and video calls to 8 earlier this month. Now, the feature has been officially announced and it's rolling out to the stable channel. The previous limit was only 4 people. All participants in the call need to be on the latest version of WhatsApp for the 8 person limit to be supported.

Source: WhatsApp