10 new features that make WhatsApp the world’s favourite messaging app

Here are the top ten features that Meta has introduced on WhatsApp over the last 12 months:

1. 01

   AI Chatbot that understands and responds in Hindi

   WhatsApp, powered by Meta AI, is among the first instant messaging platforms to feature a large language model-powered chatbot that can understand and respond in Hindi. It can also generate AI avatars, and Meta has confirmed that Meta AI on WhatsApp will soon offer AI-powered image editing tools for free.

2. 02

   Choose your favourites

   WhatsApp recently rolled out a new update introducing the favourites tab, allowing users to categorise normal chats and important chats, which could include friends and family. This feature ensures that you will never miss an important message from the significant people in your life.

3. 03

   Video calling with up to 32 participants

   WhatsApp has been offering video calling capability for a while now, and with a recent update, the app can now support up to 32 participants on a call, and this works across devices. It also introduced a screen-sharing feature with audio, enhancing the video consumption experience when two people are apart.

4. 04

   Organised replies and event creation

   Communities on WhatsApp are a great way to collaborate with people, and Meta recently enhanced it by including an option to organise replies, create events with an option to respond, and more. This comes in handy when organising a big party or a meetup.

5. 05

   Group chat filter

   WhatsApp also introduced a group chat filter, which makes it easy to organise and access all WhatsApp groups in one place. This is similar to the new favourites tab - in each case, different types of chats are stored together for easy access.

6. 06

   Private voice messages

   WhatsApp now supports private voice messages. This works like disappearing photos, i.e, once the recipient plays the audio, it will automatically get deleted, much like Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible receiving his mission details. Is there a better way to share gossip with your friends?

7. 07

   Secret code for private chats

   WhatsApp added private chats a while ago, enabling users to protect certain chats, and with another update, the company has made this even more private. Usually, private chats can be accessed using the phone lock code. Now, users will have the choice of setting a unique security code to access these chats.

8. 08

   Use more than one WhatsApp account on a single phone

   WhatsApp allows users to access a single account on up to four devices. Similarly, with the latest update, one can also access two different WhatsApp accounts on a single app/phone. This is helpful for those who use two SIM cards and need to maintain two WhatsApp accounts.

9. 09

   WhatsApp for Mac, iPad

   WhatsApp also introduced native apps for Mac and iPad. While one still cannot sign up for a new WhatsApp account from an iPad or a Mac, they can pair these as a companion device to access WhatsApp on a big screen. Right now, WhatsApp can accommodate up to four companion devices.

10. 10

    Silence unknown callers

    This feature ensures that WhatsApp will automatically block calls from numbers that are not saved on your phonebook. Again, an important feature for those who value privacy and don't want to receive calls from unknown numbers.

These are some of the important additions that Meta has added to WhatsApp over the last few months. In the coming days, WhatsApp is expected to add features like resharing status (similar to Instagram), reacting to a message by double-tapping, and the ability to share files without the internet, and more.