When we join a WhatsApp group, it’s for two reasons: because we want to chat casually (or rather, in the long term) with its members, or because we want to organize a specific event. Perhaps, thinking more of this second scenario, WhatsApp’s new feature called «Audio chat» is born, which sits halfway between voice notes and group calls.
It should be noted that this functionality is only available in group chats, since, by the way it is conceived, it only makes sense in conversations where there are more than two people.
This is the audio chat in WhatsApp groups
Until now there were group calls, in which all members participated. When made, everyone who was part of the group received the call and it was up to them whether to join or not. But this new audio chat works differently, being a bit more discreet.
The audio chat differs in that it will only include those members who are currently viewing the WhatsApp group. That way, anyone who is available can jump into the audio “room” and speak by voice.
And from there, the same old story: talk in the group using the microphone and your voice. As we said before, this function is more aimed at carrying out a quick conversation, for example finishing details about an event, a meetup, a birthday gift… one that doesn’t require all group participants to be active. It is, in essence, something that allows greater fluidity than voice notes, but that does not require the commitment of a group call.
How to open audio chats in WhatsApp
To open an audio chat in your WhatsApp group, simply get to the last message posted and swipe up until the text “Swipe up to speak” appears; if you keep pulling, the text will change to the audio chat icon and that mode will open.
It should be noted that the audio chat does not send notifications to members, so people will have to open the conversation to know whether there is an active audio chat or not, although you can use the 👋 icon to invite other members to join.
On the other hand, keep in mind that if no one joins within 60 seconds, the audio chat will end automatically. You can also cancel it or leave it by pressing the X icon.
And the same from the opposite point of view: if someone starts an audio chat, when you enter the conversation you will see that there is an active audio chat at that moment and you can join it at any time. Do you think this will be a hit in your group or will it pass without fanfare?
