New WhatsApp tools make messaging, video calls and events easier

WhatsApp users have more to explore with the launch of twelve new features designed to improve how they chat, organise events, and connect through calls.

These tools are part of a broader effort by WhatsApp to make the app more useful, organised and fun for everyday use.

From group activity indicators to smarter reactions, the updates aim to meet the needs of both casual users and those who rely on WhatsApp for planning or community engagement.

"With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp. To keep you in the loop, we’ll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings," WhatsApp said in a statement.

"Today’s roundup includes features that have rolled out recently to make your conversations and calls more enjoyable and improve your Channels experience."

One of the key updates is a group chat feature that shows how many members are currently online, helping users know when to join in.

Although it doesn’t reveal who exactly is online, users can still check message info for read receipts.

Another new tool is the "Highlights" notification setting, which gives users more control over alerts.

This allows people to mute less important group chats and only receive notifications for replies, mentions, or messages from saved contacts.

Planning events just got easier, too. Event creation, once only possible in group chats, can now be done in one-on-one conversations. You can invite guests, add a plus-one, set a time and date, and pin the details in chat.

Whether you're planning a quick meetup or a large celebration, the feature aims to make it simpler to coordinate.

WhatsApp also introduced small but helpful changes for reacting to messages.

Users can now tap on someone else’s emoji reaction to reuse it instantly, saving time searching for the right one.

For iPhone users, an in-app document scanner has been added.

It allows documents to be scanned, cropped, and sent without leaving the app.

iOS users in supported areas can also now choose WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app.

On the video call front, WhatsApp now allows users to pinch and zoom during video calls on iPhone.

You can also add more people to an ongoing call straight from the chat, turning a one-on-one conversation into a group discussion. Behind the scenes, calls have been made more stable with better routing.

If your connection allows, calls may now switch to HD quality automatically.

WhatsApp Channels have also gained more tools for creators and community admins.

They can now post short videos up to 60 seconds, share their channels through QR codes, and access transcripts of voice messages.

This makes it easier for followers to stay updated, even when they can’t listen to audio.

Another useful update is the introduction of chat filters. With this, users can sort their chats into All, Unread, or Groups. This can be a big time-saver for those who handle multiple chats or manage large group discussions.

"Chats are your place for private and encrypted chats with family and friends," WhatsApp noted. "Calls now have a dedicated tab to manage everything in one place, while the Updates tab brings more power to Status and Channels."

These updates are being gradually rolled out to users across the globe.

Whether you use WhatsApp for personal chats, managing groups, or running a business, the new tools are likely to make your day-to-day use more efficient.

With more changes expected soon, users are encouraged to keep their apps updated to enjoy the latest tools as they become available.