WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is video calling, which allows users to make video calls to other WhatsApp users for free. WhatsApp introduced video call links in 2020, making it even easier to start a video call.
What is a WhatsApp video call link?
A WhatsApp video call link is a URL that can be shared to instantly start a video call with someone, without needing their phone number. When you create a video call link, WhatsApp generates a unique URL that you can share with anyone. When the recipient clicks on the link, it will open WhatsApp and start a video call with you automatically.
Video call links make it easy to start a video call with someone without needing to exchange phone numbers. This is useful in situations where you want to have a quick video chat with someone without formally exchanging contact information. For example, you could share a video call link on your social media profile or in an email to enable followers or colleagues to instantly video chat with you.
How to create a WhatsApp video call link
Creating a WhatsApp video call link is easy and only takes a few steps:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone
- Go to the Calls tab
- Tap on the Video Call icon in the top right
- Tap on Create Call Link
- Choose if you want the link to expire after the first use or always be active
- Tap on Generate Link
- A URL will be generated that you can share however you like – message, email, social media etc.
The whole process takes less than 30 seconds. Once you have the link, anyone who clicks on it will be able to start a video call with you immediately.
Features of WhatsApp video call links
WhatsApp has included some useful features when using video call links:
- Customizable expiration – When creating a link, you can choose if you want it to expire after the first use or always stay active. This allows you to create links for a single video chat or an ongoing video room.
- Encrypted calls – Just like normal WhatsApp calls, video calls started through links are end-to-end encrypted for privacy.
- No signup required – Recipients don’t need a WhatsApp account to join a call through a link, making it accessible.
- Group calls – Links can be used to start group video calls of up to 8 participants.
Use cases for WhatsApp video call links
Here are some examples of effective ways to use WhatsApp video call links:
1. Customer support
Businesses can share a video call link on their website or in emails to let customers instantly video chat with their support team. This creates a more personal customer experience.
2. Webinars
For small webinars or online events, a presenter can share a WhatsApp video call link for people to join. Up to 8 participants can join a group call.
3. Remote meetings
Teams working remotely find video call links useful to instantly start meetings when needed. No need to schedule and send calendar invites.
4. Interviews
Recruiters can share a WhatsApp video interview link with candidates to screen them or conduct quick first round interviews.
5. Quick catch-ups
Friends, family or colleagues can share a permanent video call link to enable quick video chats to catch up when needed.
6. Tech support
IT professionals can share video call links to help troubleshoot issues for clients by viewing their screen or walking them through fixes.
7. Social profiles
Influencers, thought leaders or public figures can share a WhatsApp video call link on their social media profiles, websites or email newsletters to enable access.
Advantages of WhatsApp video call links
Here are some of the key advantages that WhatsApp video call links provide:
- Ease of use – Very fast and simple way to start a video chat, users just click a link.
- No signup required – Recipients don’t need an account, just a phone with WhatsApp installed.
- More intimate – Video chats feel more personal than phone calls or messaging.
- Seamless experience – Links open WhatsApp directly so no app switching needed.
- Encryption – Calls are secured with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption technology.
- Free to use – No costs for data or international calling through WhatsApp.
- Group calls – Ability to chat with up to 7 other participants.
Limitations of WhatsApp video call links
There are some limitations to be aware of with WhatsApp call links:
- Links can’t be password protected or have other access restrictions added.
- Maximum 8 participants in a group video call.
- Links are quite long which can make sharing difficult.
- Recipients without WhatsApp installed can’t use the links.
- No dial-in option for users without internet access.
- Can’t record or save the video call natively.
- No conference call management features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my WhatsApp video call link?
Open WhatsApp, go to the Calls tab, tap the video icon, then tap “Create call link”. Choose if you want the link to expire and tap “Generate link”. This will create a unique URL that is your call link.
Do both people need WhatsApp to use video call links?
Yes, both the caller and recipient need to have WhatsApp installed to use a video call link. The app needs to be installed to process the special WhatsApp URL schema which automatically initiates the video call.
Can I restrict who uses my video call link?
Unfortunately no, at present there is no way to password protect or restrict access to a WhatsApp video call link. Anyone with the URL can use it to start a video call with you.
Do video call links work on WhatsApp Web?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp video call links via WhatsApp Web. Click on the link through your computer browser and it will open the call in WhatsApp Web.
Can I schedule a video call with links?
No, WhatsApp does not currently support scheduling video calls with links. The links are designed for instant video chats – recipients click the link and the call starts immediately.
Do both people need to click the link to join the call?
No, only the recipient needs to click the link to join the call. The caller just needs to have opened WhatsApp beforehand. When the recipient taps the link, it will initiate a call directly with the person who created the link.
How many people can join a group call?
WhatsApp currently supports up to 8 participants in a group video or voice call. So you can use a call link to instantly start a group video chat with up to 7 other people.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s video call links provide a fast and convenient way to start one-on-one or group video chats. They help make video calling more accessible and intimate for both personal and professional use cases. While there are some limitations currently, the ease of use and seamless experience make WhatsApp call links a useful communication tool for the modern world. As WhatsApp continues developing features, video call links have the potential to become even more versatile and powerful.