WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to organise events directly within their group chats. According to the American website MacRumors, this tool enables users to plan events, meetings, and social gatherings without leaving the app.
Initially launched in May for 'Communities' groups, the event planning feature has now been extended to all group chats. The change follows the redesign of the Android version of WhatsApp to align more closely with its iOS counterpart.
The Communities feature, introduced in May, allows people with common interests to create groups and use the Events tool for planning meet-ups. This is available on any group chat on WhatsApp.
To create an event, users simply press the "+" button in a group chat and select "Event." They can then add a name, description, start date, location, and a call link for virtual meetings.
Once an event is set up, a notification is sent to all group members. The event also appears in the group's information page, and attendees receive automatic reminders as the event date approaches.
WhatsApp described the tool in May as a way to make it easier for people to plan get-togethers directly in the app, whether for virtual meetings or in-person gatherings. According to a blog post by WhatsApp, "Anyone can create an event and others can respond so the whole group knows who is coming. Guests can also find the event in the group's information page, and those going will get an automatic notification when it’s getting close."
The feature is being rolled out gradually over the coming weeks.