WhatsApp enables screen sharing for video calls

Meta is rolling out a screen-sharing feature for video calls on WhatsApp, bringing its messaging platform closer in line with the likes of Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.

The new feature was announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook, where he shared a picture of it in operation.

First introduced in May for beta testers, screen sharing will now be available for everyone making video calls with WhatsApp via their iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows Desktop.

The feature will roll out in stages and can be accessed by tapping a “Share” icon on the screen. Upon clicking on the icon, users will be offered a choice between sharing the entire screen or a specific app.

"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," WhatsApp said.

There is also an option to make a video call in landscape mode, another new feature showcased in Zuckerberg’s Facebook post.

Screen sharing and landscape mode brings WhatsApp closer to standard video calling platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom, as Meta seeks to carve out a bigger niche for its messaging app in business communication.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is also a feature that would allow up to 32 people to join audio group chats.