WhatsApp introduces a new voice chat feature for group chats, allowing users to start spontaneous audio conversations. Learn how it works.
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| Now on WhatsApp: Voice chat in group chats. Start conversations, wave to invite others, and join ongoing audio sessions with ease. Image: CH |
Menlo Park, California — July 15, 2025:
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new voice chat feature for group conversations, allowing users to engage in real-time audio discussions without making a group call. This feature brings a more casual, drop-in style of communication to the platform.
To start a voice chat, users can navigate to any group chat and either swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap the new Voice Chat icon — a speech bubble with a waveform. Releasing the screen initiates the session.
Users can also tap the Wave icon (a hand emoji) to send invitations to group members, prompting a notification and allowing others to join by tapping Join. If no one joins within 60 minutes, the voice chat ends automatically.
Notably, the group won’t be notified unless the Wave function is used, giving users control over how and when to alert participants. To end or cancel the voice chat at any time, users can tap the AI End Voice button, represented by an "X".
This update is part of WhatsApp's phased feature rollouts aimed at enhancing the user experience gradually and reliably. While it may not be available to all users immediately, global access is expected over the coming weeks.
As Meta continues to expand WhatsApp’s functionality, this voice chat addition represents a significant step toward more interactive and flexible group communication.