WhatsApp lets you select specific people within a group to start a group call without disturbing anyone

WhatsApp announced that it had added new video calling features just before the holidays, including participant selection for group video calls, better resolution, and a revamped call tab on the desktop. This is another step from Meta in making WhatsApp a viable option for both personal and work calls instead of using Google Meet or Zoom.

When you’re in a group chat, the messaging app already allows you to place a call to the whole group. However, at times, you don’t want or need to call all the people in the group and disturb them. Now, the company is rolling out an option to select participants when placing a group call. This is handy when you know only a select number of people are available to talk, or you are planning a surprise for someone in the group.

WhatsApp is also adding new video call effects, including puppy ears, taking you underwater, or handing you a microphone for karaoke.

As for the desktop app, the company is redesigning its call tab to prominently display buttons to start a call, create a new call link, and call a number. The company said it is also improving resolution across both one-on-one and group calls on both mobile and desktop.

In the past year, WhatsApp has improved its video call feature by adding support for up to 32 participants, introducing a speaker spotlight to highlight the current speaker on a call with multiple people, and adding screen sharing with audio. Many organizations use WhatsApp for internal communication, and all these features can help when it comes to work-related video calls on WhatsApp.