WhatsApp adds Voice Chat to groups: What is it, how it’s different from group voice calls, and how to use it

WhatsApp has rolled out a new Voice Chat feature for group conversations, aiming to make spontaneous, live audio interactions easier without the formality of ringing everyone in the group. The feature was previously limited to large groups, but it’s now being made available to all group sizes globally.

Voice Chat is a new way for WhatsApp users to have real-time audio conversations directly within group chats. Unlike group voice calls that ring all participants, Voice Chat allows users to join or leave the conversation at their convenience, creating a more flexible and less intrusive communication experience.

Once initiated, the Voice Chat stays pinned at the bottom of the chat window, showing participants who are currently active. This design allows users to continue sending messages in the group while also managing the audio chat. The experience mimics audio hangout spaces and is positioned as a casual, always-open alternative to traditional calls.

The primary difference lies in how the sessions are started and joined. In group voice calls, participants receive a call notification and must accept the call to join. In contrast, Voice Chat sessions do not notify or ring anyone. Instead, anyone in the group can initiate a session by swiping up from the bottom of the chat and holding for a few seconds. Members can then join or leave the chat without any disruptions.

This change is especially useful during live events like sports matches or major announcements, where group members might want to talk in real time without the rigidity of formal calls.

To start a Voice Chat, open a group chat and swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Hold for a few seconds to initiate the session. The chat will remain pinned, and controls will be visible at the bottom of the screen for those who join.

Participants can see who is in the Voice Chat and enter or exit as they please. All communications, including those via Voice Chat, are protected with WhatsApp’s default end-to-end encryption.

With this rollout, WhatsApp continues expanding its communication toolkit while focusing on user privacy and ease of use.