WhatsApp is adding a new feature that will let users share their screens with each other during a video call.
WABetaInfo, a blog that reports on WhatsApp, says that this screen-sharing function is not yet available to all users.
However, some beta testers who have downloaded the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play store can already use it.
It could be part of a plan to get more people to use the company’s meetings and compete with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Meta, the company that owns the platform, added a new feature in September that lets users share a straight link to a call.
Read also: WhatsApp is bringing usernames to its app
It also lets up to 32 people use it at the same time during a call. But Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom let a lot of people join a call at once. The first two can have up to 100 people, but a Zoom call can have up to 300.
With the soon-to-be-available feature, users on a video call will be able to share everything on their screen with other people on the call by clicking on a new item on the bottom toolbar.
Users of WhatsApp will be able to stop screen sharing at any time, and screen sharing will only be turned on with the sharer’s permission.
At the moment, only Beta testers can use this function. However, WABetaInfo says that more people will be able to use it in the coming weeks.
The WABetaInfo post said, “This feature may not work on older versions of Android; screen-sharing may not work in large group calls; and the recipient may not be able to see what’s on your screen if they’re using an old version of WhatsApp.”
Online video chat services like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have had the ability to share the screen for a while.
On the blog, it was also said that WhatsApp is working on adding a username feature to make conversations more private.
This is the latest in a long line of new features added to the chat app owned by Meta.
Recently, WhatsApp added a feature that lets people change their messages for up to 15 minutes after they’ve sent them.
How Does WhatsApp Screen-Sharing Work?
WhatsApp’s iOS 23.12.0.74 beta allows video call screen-sharing. WhatsApp’s Android beta version 2.23.11.19 announced the capability.
Screen-sharing will get a button in the bottom row adjacent to the camera flip and video on/off controls, according to WABetaInfo’s screenshot. “Everything on your screen, including notifications, will be documented,” WhatsApp warns video callers who want to share their screen. Do Not Disturb to avoid unwanted notifications.
Displaying notifications while sharing screens is beneficial, but it risks privacy. Screen-sharing with Apple FaceTime disables notifications. WhatsApp should hide notifications when the feature is released.
WhatsApp indicated in its Android beta app that it would have access to any device data displayed on the interface or played from the device when recording or casting. This includes passwords, financial information, photos, texts, and screen-sharing audio.”
The functionality requires the latest iOS or Android beta app. Large group calls or earlier app versions may prevent screen sharing.