WhatsApp rolls out Community feature; here is what you need to know

WhatsApp has brought in several new features that will help users form communities and share heavier files besides giving the freedom to make group calls with more than 5 people. Among other things, the messaging app will now allow group admins to deleted unwanted or objectionable messages for everyone.

Forming communities

A WhatsApp blog message stated that Communities on WhatsApp will enable people to bring together separate groups under one umbrella with a structure that works for them. “That way, people can receive updates sent to the entire Community and easily organize smaller discussion groups on what matters to them,” a WhatsApp blog post read. Under the Communities section, all groups representing a set of communities like schools, residential societies, and friends at various places can be organised.

“We think Communities will make it easier for a school principal to bring all the parents of the school together to share must-read updates and set up groups about specific classes, extracurricular activities, or volunteer needs,” the WhatsApp blog read.

Messages sent to communities will be protected with end-to-end encryption.

New way to give emojis

The latest reaction feature allows users to post an instant reaction to chats with emojis by long pressing the chat. Emoji reactions are coming to WhatsApp so people can quickly share their opinion without flooding chats with new messages. This feature was under review for some time and has been finally okayed for users.

Communicate with up to 32 people in one video call

The new calls feature allows 32 people to join one call. At present, only up to five people can join a video call on the social media platform.

Share heavier files

Currently, WhatsApp allows only 100MB file sharing in one go. Now it will allow sharing up to 2GB file. This will eventually help save time and efforts of switching to multiple apps for the resizing.  Increasing the file size for sharing will help people collaborate on projects.

Also read: TN bats for English, plans language labs; past efforts show it’s futile  

WhatsApp said, “Organizations like schools, local clubs, and non-profit organizations now rely on WhatsApp to communicate securely and get things done – especially since the pandemic forced us all to find creative ways to work together while apart.”

More power to group admin

WhatsApp has now empowered group administrators to delete messages posted by any participant, anytime. Then the conversation will not be visible to any of the group members.

WhatsApp plans to roll out these features soon and will be available for use even before the official release.