WhatsApp rolls out screen sharing feature for video calls

Meta platform’s popular instant messaging app WhatsApp has a new feature that will allow users to share their screen during a video call, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

The new feature allows users to share their screens during video calls, enabling them to display a live view of their activities to fellow call participants. This cross-platform compatible function empowers users to seamlessly demonstrate documents, share photos, plan vacations, shop online, or provide tech support to family members.

“Whether sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping grandparents with tech support – screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen during the call,” a statement from WhatsApp’s press release read.

WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart took to Twitter to write, “Screen sharing on WhatsApp video calls starts rolling out today. We’ve heard a lot of requests for this and are excited for people to start using it!”

How to access WhatsApp’s new screen sharing feature?

To be able to access this feature, users must ensure that they have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on their devices. During a video call, a new ‘Share’ icon will appear at the bottom of the screen. Upon tapping the icon, users will be prompted to grant screen share access, after which their screen’s content will be broadcasted to the other participants.

The screen sharing function also supports landscape mode for video calls. This feature proves beneficial when sharing content from desktop platforms, delivering a broader and more immersive viewing experience.

It is important to note that the screen sharing feature’s rollout will be staggered, with some users already having access, while others might need to wait a little longer.

WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature will also be available in group calls as well, making the app a valuable tool in professional settings. Individuals who previously relied on applications like Google Meet and Zoom for screen sharing can now employ WhatsApp for the same purpose, thereby enhancing their collaborative capabilities.