Created by end-users of the app, communities include features designed to add structure to larger group chats, such as file sharing support, 32-person group calls, and emoji reactions , as well as admin tools and moderation controls, among other things.
In addition to capitalizing on WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and users’ growing desire to network within private communities outside of major social networks, WhatsApp communities also present a challenge for other messaging apps that have won. in popularity.
What makes the feature attractive for large groups is that not all chat takes place in a single chat, which can get busy. Instead, only admins have the ability to share ads with everyone in the community through the main ad group, which can support thousands of users. During this time, members can chat in smaller subgroups that administrators have created or approved.
Unlike Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities are not public or discoverable on the platform. Users must be invited to join a community to join. According to reports from sites like Android Police and WABetaInfo, some WhatsApp beta testers have recently reported that they have gained the ability to create a community within the app.
Reports noted that the ability to hide your phone number from other subgroup members was not immediately supported. It should be available at the public launch of the feature.
However, the reports claimed that it was the WhatsApp beta app users who were accessing this feature. WhatsApp clarified that it’s the full feature that’s being rolled out to a small number of users in a few countries right now.
