WhatsApp launches Discord-like group ‘voice chats’ in beta version

Meta’s instant messaging app, WhatsApp, is set to roll out a new feature called ‘Voice chats’, which is similar to the ‘voice channel’ feature in another popular messaging app, Discord.

This new feature allows participants in a group chat to engage in audio conversations, but it differs from the existing voice call or voice notes functions.

According to the tech news outlet WABetaInfo, the feature is currently being tested and is available to a limited number of users on the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.16.19.

Voice chats function similarly to group calls, but instead of ringing every participant in the group, it sends a silent notification. In the current beta version, the number of participants is capped at 32, but this might change when WhatsApp officially releases the feature in the stable version of the app.

Users will have the flexibility to join or leave the voice chats at their convenience, similar to how it works in Twitter Spaces and Discord voice channels. When someone initiates a voice chat, the group icon in the chat list will change to a waveform icon, and a ‘Connect’ button will appear, allowing users to join the real-time discussion through a dedicated interface.

Voice chats will remain active for an hour after everyone leaves, and group members can initiate new voice chats whenever they want. Unlike ‘group calls’, voice chats won’t require users to manually add others. Additionally, voice chats on WhatsApp will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security, but they won’t display as fullscreen call-style notifications.

WhatsApp voice chats cap participants limit to 32, might increase after stable release

WABetaInfo suggests that voice chats may not be available for groups with less than 32 participants in the initial stage, but WhatsApp might adjust the minimum participant limit in the future. While the feature is currently being tested in the beta version, it is expected to be rolled out to stable channel users in the coming days.

WhatsApp has been actively testing several new features, including options for logging in via email, sending video messages, and a faster method to transfer chats between phones without relying on Google Drive.