WhatsApp has entered the competition against established video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Meet, Google Meet, Zoom, and Apple’s FaceTime by introducing screen sharing during video calls.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announced this feature’s addition through Facebook and Instagram. This enhancement allows users to share various content, including documents, photos, and even shopping carts, with participants during video calls.
Initially, the screen sharing option was launched for a select group of Android beta testers at the end of May. Users can access it through the “Share” icon, giving them the flexibility to share a specific app or their entire screen, similar to features found in platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. WhatsApp has begun a phased rollout of this feature across Android, iOS, and Windows Desktop platforms, making it progressively available to more users.
In addition to screen sharing, WhatsApp has introduced a Landscape mode for video calls, offering a broader and more immersive view compared to the existing Portrait mode. This mode pairs well with screen sharing, enhancing the overall video call experience.
While video calling has been a part of WhatsApp for over six years, the platform continues to innovate to stay competitive. Recent updates include introducing picture-in-picture support for iOS video calls and enabling the sharing of short video messages within chats. These enhancements reflect the growing importance of video as a primary means of communication for users.
The addition of screen sharing on WhatsApp marks a significant advancement in the evolution of video conferencing apps. This feature caters not only to professionals but also to general consumers, expanding the possibilities of interactive communication.
This move aligns with trends in the industry, as even Apple’s FaceTime incorporated a similar feature, SharePlay, in 2021, allowing iOS users to share screens. WhatsApp has taken this concept further by extending screen sharing accessibility to Android, iOS, and desktop platforms.
