The feature is currently available to users who are a part of the company’s official Android beta testing program, that’s version 2.16.318 (451462. But soon all WhatsApp users will get this update.
For those that have been using the WhatsApp beta for some time now, they can go ahead and update the app to the above version and then get started with video calling.
The way that this works inside of the WhatsApp app is when you click the call button, the option of either a voice call or video call is provided to users.
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If the user is not a part of the beta testing program or is using the old version of the app, they will get a notification saying ‘Couldn’t place call. Recipient (name of the contact) needs to update WhatsApp to receive video calls.’
Since its purchase by Facebook some time ago, WhatsApp has only gone from strength-to-strength, adding encrypted messages, tweaks to the overall messaging system and now, video calling.
WhatsApp recently came out with a camera update, enabling users to draw text and add emojis to videos and photos captured using the app.
The company hasn’t revealed when this feature will be made available for all users, including for the iPhone and Windows Phone.