WhatsApp first introduced video calling in November 2016, allowing users to make video calls to other WhatsApp users through the app. This new feature brought video chatting capabilities to the popular messaging platform for the first time.
The History of WhatsApp Before Video Calling
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum as a messaging app focused on privacy and security. In the early years, WhatsApp gained popularity by allowing users to send text messages, photos, videos and voice messages over the internet while avoiding SMS fees.
By early 2014, WhatsApp had over 450 million monthly active users worldwide. That February, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, which was the largest acquisition of a venture-backed company at the time.
Even without video calling capabilities, WhatsApp continued to grow under Facebook’s ownership. By early 2016, the app had over 1 billion monthly active users globally across iOS, Android and Windows Phone platforms.
Video Calling Arrives on WhatsApp
In November 2016, WhatsApp officially introduced video calling to its messaging app. This new feature allowed users to make video calls to individual WhatsApp contacts and groups.
Video calling launched first for iOS, Android and Windows Phone users worldwide. The feature rolled out more broadly over the following weeks.
To make a WhatsApp video call, users simply tap the new video call icon in the top right corner during an active chat. Both parties in the chat will need to have the latest WhatsApp update installed to use video calling.
Video calls are end-to-end encrypted, just like WhatsApp texts, photos and voice messages. This provides assurance that the calls are secured and not accessible to third parties.
Features of WhatsApp Video Calling
WhatsApp’s video calling allows users to:
- Make free HD quality video calls over WiFi or mobile data
- Switch video calls seamlessly between WiFi and cellular networks if connectivity drops
- Make group video calls with up to 4 participants
- Use front or rear camera during video calls
- Mute microphone or pause video if desired during calls
- Receive Calls Notifications when screen is off to avoid missing them
These capabilities brought WhatsApp more in line with competitor apps like Skype and FaceTime which already had video chat features. WhatsApp was playing catch-up in that regard.
Why WhatsApp Waited So Long for Video Calling
Given WhatsApp’s tremendous global user base, many questioned why it took so long to introduce video calling as a feature. There are a few likely factors that contributed to the delayed arrival of video on WhatsApp:
- Focus on reliability and speed: WhatsApp prioritized creating a fast, reliable messaging experience even with limited connectivity. Video calls require more bandwidth, which may have slowed development.
- Concern about user demands: Adding data-heavy video could strain networks and server infrastructure. WhatsApp likely wanted to ensure infrastructure could scale well first.
- Emphasis on privacy: Developing end-to-end encrypted video calling took time to perfect security.
- Caution around new features: WhatsApp historically avoided bloating the app and moved slowly on new capabilities.
Regardless, the WhatsApp team eventually solved these challenges to make video calling a reality in late 2016.
How WhatsApp Video Calling Became Popular
Despite its late arrival, WhatsApp video calling quickly gained adoption among users globally. There are several reasons it became an instant hit:
- Huge built-in user base – tapping into 1+ billion existing users guaranteed video calling an audience.
- Familiar interface – video calling uses the same chat threads, making it easy to discover and use.
- Cross-platform – available on all major mobile operating systems so friends can connect.
- Free and unlimited – no cost or time limits like some competing services.
- End-to-end encryption – provided peace of mind for security-focused users.
Within the first month of launching, over 100 million calls were already made on WhatsApp video calling. The feature accounted for over 340 million daily WhatsApp video calls after its first year.
Impact of WhatsApp Video Calling
The launch of video calling dramatically expanded WhatsApp’s functionality and solidified its position as an indispensable global communications app. Key impacts include:
- Drove increased WhatsApp usage and user engagement.
- Helped WhatsApp better compete with apps that already had video chat.
- Provided a free alternative to carrier-based video calling over cellular.
- Enabled more intimate and personal connections on WhatsApp.
- Allowed new use cases like video interviews, virtual hangouts, video customer support and more.
While WhatsApp was relatively late to offer video chat, its execution and built-in user base allowed video calling to thrive once introduced in late 2016.
The Evolution of WhatsApp Video Calling
Since its launch, WhatsApp has continued improving and expanding video calling capabilities:
- February 2018 – Added support for Android Go edition devices.
- July 2018 – Increased group video call limit from 4 to 8 participants.
- October 2018 – Enabled iPad support.
- January 2019 – Video calling made available for WhatsApp Web.
- April 2020 – Advanced video calling features like picture-in-picture added.
- July 2020 – Video calling enabled for WhatsApp’s KaiOS app.
With over 2 billion users as of 2020, WhatsApp has affirmed video calling as a staple messaging feature alongside text, voice and images. The platform continues optimizing video calling while expanding support across its apps and services ecosystem.
The Future of WhatsApp Video Calling
Looking ahead, WhatsApp has several opportunities to enhance video calling further:
- Increase group video call participant limit beyond 8.
- Add video calling capabilities directly into the WhatsApp desktop app.
- Improve video quality and resolution as cellular networks evolve.
- Support live streaming of video calls to social media platforms.
- Introduce AR filters and effects for video calls.
With Facebook’s resources and technical expertise, WhatsApp is well-positioned to roll out improvements that reinforce video calling as a differentiator among messaging platforms.
In summary, WhatsApp video calling arrived in November 2016 after years of anticipating the feature. It quickly gained popularity thanks to WhatsApp’s established user base and has become integral to the messaging app experience. Video calling on WhatsApp will only continue evolving with time as adoption spreads globally.