4 big changes for WhatsApp – from video calls to channels

WhatsApp consistently rolls out new updates and introduces a host of new features to users on Android, iOS, and PC.

The meta-owned company is one of the most significant messaging services in the world, and many smartphone owners in South Africa have a profile.

Due to its widespread popularity, WhatsApp will first test its new features with beta testers to identify potential bugs before releasing them to the public.

Data service WABetaInfo regularly looks at the latest Android, iOS and Web beta developments.

Below are four changes that the data service has highlighted recently:

Video calls

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced the launch of new filters and backgrounds for WhatsApp video calls.

“These updates are designed to create a more fun and expressive environment for users during video calls. With ten unique filters available, users can choose options like Warm, Cool, or Vintage TV to match their mood or the vibe of the conversation,” said WABetaInfo.

“The background options are varied, allowing users to virtually transport themselves to a vibrant city skyline or a beach sunset, enhancing the visual appeal of their calls.

“It is also important to highlight additional features that enhance the visual experience, such as the Touch Up and Low Light tools. Touch Up helps users look their best by naturally smoothing their appearance, while the Low Light option brightens dim environments for clearer visibility.”

To access the features during a video call, users can select the effects icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Channel insights

In recent betas for iOS and Android, WhatsApp allowed testers to explore a new feature that provides detailed insights for their channels.

This includes the number of accounts reached, which looks at unique accounts that have viewed any channel updates at least once, along with the list of top regions.

“This metric is particularly valuable because it excludes repeated views from the same accounts, giving admins a clear picture of the unique reach of their content. Understanding this reach also allows admins to measure the overall visibility of their channel and adjust their content to increase exposure,” said WABetaInfo.

“Another important metric available for testing is the growth statistic, which indicates the net change in followers over the past 30 days. This is calculated by subtracting the number of accounts that unfollowed the channel or deleted their WhatsApp accounts from those who followed it.”

Admins can use these metrics to identify content that drives follower growth quickly.

However, these metrics are estimates and may vary slightly due to differences in data reporting across regions.

New themes

In recent Android and iOS betas, beta testers could explore a feature that allows them to change the chat theme.

Although users can select a default chat theme that will be applied to all conversations within the app settings, for those who prefer variety, WhatsApp also allows setting a different theme for specific chats by tapping the overflow menu within a conversation.

“Here, users can choose the theme option to customize their chats based on their preferences. It’s important to note that users can choose from a wide variety of themes, allowing them to assign different themes to various chats,” said WABetaInfo

“For example, they can select one theme for personal chats, another for work-related conversations, and a completely different one for group chats.”

“With over 22 distinct themes and 20 colour options available, users have extensive options to customize their chats, making it easier to visually differentiate between different types of conversations based on their context.”

The theme customisation is also private and will not be visible to the recipient of the chat.

New contact add shortcut

In a recent Android beta, WhatsApp also exported a new shortcut that allows users to quickly add contacts and group chats to lists. This is scheduled to be released in a future update.

“While we previously announced a shortcut to add people and groups to lists directly from the chat info screen, WhatsApp has also plans to introduce the same shortcut within the top app bar in conversations.”

“This makes it even easier for users to manage and organize their contacts and groups, as the shortcut will be more accessible and integrated directly into their ongoing chats.”

“It’s important to note that this new shortcut is still under development and not yet confirmed for release, as WhatsApp is carefully evaluating the best placement to allow users to quickly manage their contacts and groups through lists.”

WABetaInfo warned that both shortcuts are unlikely to be in the final version as WhatsApp may opt to remove one to reduce redundancy.

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