A call link on WhatsApp allows users to start a voice or video call with someone without having their phone number saved in their contacts. Instead, a unique link is generated that can be shared with the intended recipient through any medium like email, social media, messaging apps etc. When the recipient clicks on the link, it will directly open WhatsApp and start a call with the sender (if they have WhatsApp installed).
How do WhatsApp call links work?
WhatsApp call links utilize the deep linking feature available on smartphones. Deep linking allows an external link to directly open a specific app if installed and take the user directly to a specific page or function within the app.
For WhatsApp call links, each link generated is unique and tied to the specific WhatsApp account that created it. When clicked, it uses deep linking to open the recipient’s WhatsApp app and initiate a call to the account associated with the link.
Some key points on how WhatsApp call links work:
- The links are generated within WhatsApp by going to the calls tab and clicking the ‘Create Call Link’ option.
- A unique 6-digit code is created which forms the end of the call link URL.
- The link remains active for a preset duration as chosen by the sender while creating it (max duration 90 days).
- The link can be shared with anyone through any medium and when clicked will open WhatsApp and start a call.
- Video or voice call depends on what was chosen by the sender while creating the link.
- The link remains tied to the sender’s account and others can’t see or reuse it.
So in summary, WhatsApp utilizes deep linking to generate a unique one-time URL that initiates a call directly within the app when clicked by the recipient. The ease of sharing these call links makes it convenient to connect with anyone without needing their phone number.
When should you use WhatsApp call links?
WhatsApp call links provide a quick and easy way to start a call with someone without needing their phone number. Here are some scenarios where generating a WhatsApp call link can be very useful:
- Business promotions: Businesses can create links to allow customers to directly video call them for queries/support.
- Webinars: Organizers of online events can generate links to start video conference calls with attendees.
- Customer support: Support agents can share call links with customers to provide direct calling assistance.
- Friends & family: Links can be shared to instantly video chat with friends and family without exchanging phone numbers.
- Scheduled meetings: Meeting links can be generated and shared in calendar invites for quick access to call.
- Interviews: Employers can line up interviews by sharing call links with candidates.
The convenience of starting instant calls without going through contact lookup and typing in phone numbers makes WhatsApp call links very handy in many scenarios. It enables connecting with people easily despite not having their direct contact details.
How to create a WhatsApp call link
WhatsApp makes it very easy to generate call links. Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Calls tab.
- Click on Create Call Link at the top.
- Choose if you want a voice or video call.
- Select the duration for which the link should remain active.
- Tap Create Link. This will generate a 6-digit unique link.
- You can directly share the link from WhatsApp by tapping the share button.
- Alternatively, copy the link and share via other apps.
The recipient simply needs to click the link to join the call through WhatsApp. The link generation process is very quick and intuitive on both Android and iOS devices. Users have the flexibility to choose between voice and video calling as well as set a validity duration for the link ranging from 5 minutes to 90 days.
How to share WhatsApp call links
Once generated from within WhatsApp, call links can be shared in several ways:
- Directly share via WhatsApp by tapping the share button.
- Copy link and paste in email, SMS, social media posts etc.
- Share link in meeting invites/calendar events.
- Publish the link on your website, ads, flyers etc.
- Share link verbally over a phone call.
The 6-digit code in the link is unique but not sensitive, so it can be freely shared over any channel. When ready to join, the recipient just needs to click the link on their smartphone and it will open their WhatsApp app initiating a call.
Some good practices while sharing WhatsApp call links:
- Inform recipients that it is a calling link so they know what to expect.
- Set an appropriate validity duration based on expected call time.
- Provide some context on what the call is about.
- Mention whether it is a voice or video call.
- Advise having WhatsApp installed for the link to work.
Following these tips while sharing will ensure recipients can correctly identify and use the WhatsApp call links.
Features and limitations of WhatsApp call links
Some notable features of WhatsApp call links:
- One-click calling without needing contact numbers.
- Choice of voice or video call.
- Set validity duration from 5 minutes to 90 days.
- Easily share links across platforms.
- Secured by WhatsApp end-to-end encryption.
- Link tied only to creator’s account.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of as well:
- Only 2 participants per call – creator and clicker.
- No way to check status of link usage.
- Cannot re-use expired or already used links.
- Cannot transfer a call initiated by link.
- Recipient needs WhatsApp installed for link to work.
Overall, WhatsApp call links offer great convenience for quick calling but have some limitations for advanced call management. The functionality serves basic personal and small business use cases well.
Can WhatsApp call links be reused?
No, WhatsApp call links are designed for one-time use and cannot be reused once expired or already clicked. Some key points:
- Every call link generated is unique and tied to creator’s account.
- The link expires after preset validity duration is over.
- Even before expiry, link is invalidated if recipient joins call.
- No way for creators to reactivate or recreate the same link.
- Recipient will see an error if expired or already used link is clicked again.
So while the links offer quick one-click access for calls, they are single-use by design for privacy and security. Businesses and users should generate a fresh link each time they wish to schedule a new call.
Can you extend WhatsApp call link validity?
Unfortunately, there is no way currently to extend the validity of an already created WhatsApp call link. Some key points:
- Validity duration is chosen while generating the link (5 min to 90 days).
- Once link is created, validity cannot be extended.
- Link expires automatically after initial set duration.
- No way to reactivate expired links – new link needs creating.
- Recipients cannot re-use expired links, it shows an error.
So the call link creator has to carefully choose an appropriate validity duration upfront based on expected usage. There is no way to reuse or resuscitate expired links. For longer term usage, new links have to be generated.
Can you see if someone clicks on a WhatsApp call link?
WhatsApp currently does not provide any statistics or insights on the usage of call links. Some key aspects:
- No dashboard to track link clicks or calls made.
- Creator won’t know if recipient clicked the link.
- Link notifications or alerts are not available.
- Usage stats aren’t shown even for business accounts.
- WhatsApp doesn’t notify when a call link expires.
While the links provide great convenience for quick calls, creators cannot monitor their usage or analytics. The only indicator is if the recipient directly joins the call after clicking the link. WhatsApp may consider adding usage statistics for call links in future versions.
Can a WhatsApp group call be joined using call links?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp call links at present do not allow joining group calls. Some limitations:
- Call links can only have two participants – creator and clicker.
- Calls initiated from links are always 1:1.
- Group calls have a separate invitation flow.
- Clicking a call link during an ongoing group call will end it.
- Group call links can’t be created – only for individual calls.
While WhatsApp supports group voice and video calls, the call link feature is designed only for direct individual calls. Users have to follow the standard group call initiation process for multi-participant calls.
How do WhatsApp call links compare to other calling options?
WhatsApp call links provide a complementary option alongside regular phone calling and built-in WhatsApp calls. Comparison on key aspects:
| Method | Needs phone number | Call setup time | Ease of sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone calling | Yes | Medium | Hard |
| WhatsApp built-in call | Yes | Fast | Moderate |
| WhatsApp call links | No | Instant | Very easy |
As we can see, WhatsApp call links provide the fastest call setup without needing phone numbers and easiest sharing. But regular calling remains useful when contacts are already available. So call links provide an additional option alongside existing methods.
Conclusion
WhatsApp call links offer a very convenient way to instantly start a call with anyone simply by sharing a link. The ability to directly call without requiring phone numbers bridges connectivity gaps and makes collaboration seamless.
While limited to only two participants and lacking analytics, call links serve a variety of personal and professional use cases. The ease of use and generation makes WhatsApp call links a handy additional tool for calling alongside traditional phone dialing and built-in WhatsApp calls.