Meta-owned WhatsApp has started rolling out its Communities, the messaging app’s feature aimed at supporting larger discussion groups, to additional users ahead of its public launch. According to WABetaInfo, a service tracking the encrypted messenger for new and upcoming features, spotted the WhatsApp Communities in the app’s beta version 2.22.19.3 on Android.
WABetaInfo also shared a screenshot that shows a Communities tab at the place of the camera tab. According to the details, the WhatsApp Communities give users the ability to add up to 10 groups – called sub-groups – with up to 512 members to create a larger discussion group.
Users will have the option to choose which sub-group they want to join based on their interest, and if they want, they can leave the sub-group without exiting the community. However, the admins will hold the power to disable the community as and when needed. Furthermore, the users will have the option to report a community if it violates their terms and conditions.
WhatsApp Communities offers several other advantages like the ability for admins to make announcements through the main announcement group, which can support thousands of users. Meanwhile, the community members can chat in smaller sub-groups that admins have created or approved.
It is pertinent to mention that the feature is still in its beta stage and there is no confirmed date for a public release. However, since several beta users have gotten access to this feature, we can except a public launch soon.
Read more: WhatsApp Gets Native Windows App, MacOS Version Coming Soon.
