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Which WhatsApp can I use to create link?

There are a few different versions of WhatsApp that allow you to create shareable links to invite others to join groups or view media. The main options are WhatsApp for Android, WhatsApp for iOS, WhatsApp Web/Desktop, and WhatsApp Business. Each has slightly different ways to generate invite links, but the core functionality is the same across platforms.

In this article, we’ll go through the steps to create shareable WhatsApp links on Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Business versions. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of each platform and what types of links can be created. By the end, you’ll know which WhatsApp works best for your linking needs.

Creating Invite Links on WhatsApp for Android

WhatsApp for Android allows you to create invitation links for groups and broadcast lists that you manage. Here are the steps:

1. Open the WhatsApp group or broadcast list you want to create the invite link for

2. Tap the group subject name at the top to open group settings

3. Tap “Invite via link”

4. Toggle the switch on – this generates a private link that anyone can use to join the group

5. Tap “Revoke link” at any time to disable the link

6. Tap “Share link” to share the join link via another app on your phone

The link will look something like https://chat.whatsapp.com/xxxxxxxxxx. Anyone that you send the link to will be able to simply tap and join the group immediately.

Key Points

  • Works for both WhatsApp groups and broadcast lists
  • Lets you enable/disable join links at any time
  • Shareable via other apps for easy distribution

Limitations

  • Can only create join links, not media or profile links
  • Links are not customizable or trackable
  • No options for setting link expiration date

Overall, the link creation process is straightforward on Android, but lacks some advanced configuration options.

Creating Links on WhatsApp for iOS

The process of creating invite links for groups is very similar on WhatsApp for iOS:

1. Open the WhatsApp group you want to create the link for

2. Tap the group name at the top to open Info

3. Scroll down and tap “Invite Link”

4. Toggle the switch on to generate the join link

5. Tap “Revoke Link” at any time to disable

6. Tap the share icon to copy the link or share via other apps

As you can see, nearly identical to the Android process. Tap the link preview to copy the full join URL.

Key Points

  • Same simple on/off linking for groups
  • Share sheet makes distributing the link easy
  • No need to leave WhatsApp to share link

Limitations

  • No way to create links for media, profiles, or broadcast lists
  • No advanced configurability for links
  • Links cannot be tracked or set to expire

Overall, iOS linking matches Android’s simplicity but lacks the same advanced options.

Creating Links from WhatsApp Web/Desktop

WhatsApp’s web and desktop versions offer another way to generate invitation links:

1. Open the chat for the group you want the link for

2. Click the group name at the top to open settings

3. Next to “Invite to group via link”, click Generate

4. Toggle the switch on to activate the new join link

5. Click Revoke Anytime to disable the link

6. Copy the link or use the share icon to distribute it

The interface here is essentially the same as mobile. One perk is that it’s easy to copy or share the link right from your computer.

Key Points

  • Works the same as mobile apps
  • Simple on/off toggle for enabling join links
  • Easy to copy link or share via web share menu

Limitations

  • No advanced options or configurations
  • Can only create links for groups, not media or profiles
  • No way to track link usage or set expiration

WhatsApp Web/Desktop provide a convenient way to access the basic invite link feature from your computer.

Generating Links with WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business takes the invite link functionality a step further. Here’s what you can do:

1. Tap the Settings icon in the Business Profile

2. Select Create Link under Share Settings

3. Choose Group Invite, Catalog, or Profile link

4. Customize link appearance, set expiration date, and enable link stats

5. Tap Create Link and then Share Link

The key difference is the ability to create media and profile links, not just group invites. You can also configure link settings like expiration and track number of views.

Key Points

  • Create links for groups, catalog, profiles
  • Customize link appearance
  • Set expiration date
  • Enable link stats to see usage

Limitations

  • Only available on WhatsApp Business
  • More options mean more complex setup
  • Need Business Profile to access link settings

WhatsApp Business has the most configurable invite links, but you need a Business Profile to use them.

Comparing Link Types

To summarize the main differences, here’s an overview of the link types available on each WhatsApp version:

Link Type WhatsApp Android WhatsApp iOS WhatsApp Web/Desktop WhatsApp Business
Group Invite Link Yes Yes Yes Yes
Media Link No No No Yes
Profile Link No No No Yes
Catalog Link No No No Yes
Customizable Link Appearance No No No Yes
Link Analytics No No No Yes
Expiration Date Control No No No Yes

As you can see, WhatsApp Business clearly has the most advanced invite link capabilities. The standard mobile and web versions are limited to plain group invite links.

Conclusion

To create simple join links for WhatsApp groups, any version of the app will work. Just access the group settings and enable the invite link option.

However, if you want to create customized links with analytics for media, profiles, or catalogs, WhatsApp Business is the only choice. The Business Profile unlocks additional link configuration settings not available in the standard mobile or desktop apps.

So in summary:

  • Use any WhatsApp for basic group invite links
  • WhatsApp Business enables advanced configurable links

Just be aware that some users may not have Business Profiles, so customizable links may not work for all audiences. But when advanced link control is a priority, WhatsApp Business has the most flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a WhatsApp link on my computer?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp Web or Desktop to create invite links for groups. The process is the same as on mobile – simply access the group settings and enable the link sharing option.

Do WhatsApp links expire?

By default, no – WhatsApp links do not expire on their own for standard mobile and desktop versions. However, with WhatsApp Business you can set a custom expiration date for your links when configuring them.

Can I see stats for who clicked my WhatsApp link?

WhatsApp itself does not provide analytics on who clicks your links. However, if you use WhatsApp Business to create links, you can enable link statistics to see the number of times the link has been viewed. But this is anonymous data.

Is there a way to customize WhatsApp invite links?

Yes, WhatsApp Business allows you to customize the preview image, title, description, and more for your shareable links. This provides a more branded and professional looking link format.

Do all WhatsApp users have access to business links?

No, you must have a WhatsApp Business Profile set up to be able to create advanced links for catalogs, profiles, etc. Standard WhatsApp users can only create basic group invite links.

Summary

  • WhatsApp for Android, iOS, and Web/Desktop can all generate basic invite links for groups
  • WhatsApp Business enables creating customizable links for media, profiles, and catalogs
  • Business links offer settings for expiration, appearance, and analytics
  • Standard links work for anyone, but business links require a Business Profile
  • Evaluate your needs to determine which WhatsApp link type is right for you

Using the appropriate WhatsApp platform for your linking needs allows you to easily share content and invite others to groups or profiles. Compare the options to decide which capabilities would benefit you the most based on how you want to share WhatsApp content.

Additional Information

Related Resources

Link Creation Tools

WhatsApp Community Forums