WhatsApp Outlines Latest Updates, Including Group Chat Indicators, Document Scanning and More

WhatsApp has shared a broader overview of its latest in-app updates, some of which we’ve reported on, but others that it’s rolled out with little fanfare, and which could still be handy within your messaging process.

As part of its new monthly feature round-up, WhatsApp’s provided an overview of all of its most recent tweaks and upgrades, which are worthy of note.

They include:

‘Online’ indicator in group chats – WhatsApp recently added a new indicator to show you how many people within your group chat are online at any given time, so you can engage with them there and then. The new group chat member indicator is displayed your group name, giving you another indicator of potential engagement.

Highlight notifications in groups – WhatsApp’s also added new group chat notification settings, so you can get notifications about all chat updates, or only those that mention you. “Use the new ‘Notify for’ setting and select ‘Highlights’ to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or ‘All’ to receive all notifications.”

Events updates – You can now also create WhatsApp events within 1:1 chats, in addition to group discussions. WhatsApp's also updated its “RSVP” options, so you can now reply with “maybe,” while you can also invite a plus one within the chat.

Tappable reactions – It’s also added an easier way to double-down on reactions within a chat, by tapping on another users’ reaction to send the same.

Document scanning on iPhone – You can now scan and send documents in the app: “Simply select ‘Scan document’ from the attachment tray and follow the steps to scan, crop, and save the document.”

Pinch to zoom in video calls - iPhone users can also now “pinch to zoom” on a video while in a video call (so you better tidy up your background).

Add to call from a chat – You can also now add someone to an ongoing 1:1 call directly from a chat thread. To do this, tap the call icon on the top and select ‘Add to call’.

Improved video quality – WhatsApp says that it’s also upgraded its video streaming process to make video calls “more reliable and higher quality.” The process will also optimize connection to reduce drop-outs and video freezing.

Video notes for Channels - Channel admins can now record and share short videos (60 seconds or less) with followers.

Voice message transcripts on Channels – Users can now generate transcripts of voice messages from channels.

QR codes – Finally, WhatsApp now enables channel admins to share a unique QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to invite others to join.

Some smaller, but notable updates, which could be relevant in your use of the app. And while none of these are worthy of a full explainer in themselves, WhatsApp’s new approach of providing a monthly rundown of these smaller tweaks is a good way to help maximize awareness of the latest features in the app.