Observed Signal · Nov 14, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp Introduces Group Voice Chats
WhatsApp is testing a new feature called Voice Chats that enables audio conversations for groups of up to 32 participants. The feature appears in an Android beta version 2.23.16.19 distributed via the Google Play Store and is currently available to a subset of testers, with a broader rollout expected in the coming days. Unlike existing group calls, Voice Chats do not ring participants’ phones; instead, members receive a silent push notification when a Voice Chat starts, allowing anyone in the group to join and contribute. A Voice Chat terminates automatically after 60 minutes if no one joins, but users can initiate additional Voice Chats within the same chat. The conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the participants in a given chat can listen. The report cites WABetaInfo as the source and notes coverage by OnlineMarketing.de. The feature underscores WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to expand group communication tools while preserving privacy and minimizing notification disruption for users.
Major platform feature release in a popular messaging app (WhatsApp) with beta rollout; potential impact on messaging UX and engagement.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WhatsApp beta for Android enables group voice chats for groups up to 32 participants.
- Feature available to select testers in Android beta 2.23.16.19 from Google Play Store.
- Voice chats do not ring phones; participants receive a silent push notification when started.
- Voice chats auto-end after 60 minutes if no one joins; any member can start another.
- Chats are end-to-end encrypted.
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WhatsApp Testing Guest Calls, Event Hub, Restricted Chats
WhatsApp is developing three new features: guest calls allowing people without a WhatsApp account to join voice and video calls via browser links, a centralized Event Hub for managing events and sharing invitations with non-users, and Restricted Chat to protect private conversations from access via linked devices and AI agents. The features were discovered by WABetaInfo in beta versions for iOS and Android. Guest calls, currently in development, would let iOS users create call links that guests can open in a browser without installing the app, with end-to-end encryption maintained. The Event Hub, found in Android beta, aggregates event creation, management, and responses, and allows sharing event links with non-WhatsApp users. Restricted Chat, also in Android beta, builds on Advanced Chat Privacy to prevent chat export, automatic media saving, sharing with Meta AI, and access from linked devices. Rollout dates are not yet announced.
Threads tests Gems to honor valuable posts daily
Threads is testing a new feature called Gems, which awards up to 25 outstanding conversations daily with a visible diamond badge. The selection is algorithm-based, focusing on originality, timeliness, and authentic discussion, regardless of follower count. Posts or direct replies qualify, but reposts and content cross-posted from Instagram are excluded. The feature is currently limited to public US-based accounts of users aged 18 and older, though the badges are visible globally, including in Germany. Recipients get a notification and can share the badge. Users can hide the label if desired. Initial hints appeared in August via app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi. Threads aims to encourage original and engaging content, with no negative impact on reach for non-recipients.
Meta Bans TikTok Ads on Its Platforms in Multiple Regions
Meta has banned advertisements and paid marketing messages for TikTok, owned by ByteDance, on its platforms in the US, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, effective October 8, 2026. The ban applies to both direct ByteDance ads and third-party campaigns linking to TikTok or other ByteDance services. Meta spokesperson Chris Sgro confirmed the move, citing standard practice to avoid supporting competitors. This intensifies rivalry between the social media giants, both designated as gatekeepers under the EU's Digital Markets Act. The ban excludes EU countries, but raises questions about cross-platform advertising. It follows Meta's $16.7 billion settlement with US states over youth safety, which requires TikTok and YouTube to implement similar safeguards, suggesting a strategic pressure tactic.
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