WhatsApp Levels Up: Can Meta’s New Calling Features Rival Zoom for Businesses?

From Group Chats to Boardroom Talks, WhatsApp’s Bold Move Into Pro Conferencing

A Comprehensive Review

Meta has just rolled out a fresh batch of WhatsApp calling features, and it’s clear they’ve got Zoom, Google Meet, and other conferencing giants in their crosshairs. No longer just the app for sending memes and “you up?” texts, WhatsApp now offers:

Scheduled Calls – Set a date and time for group calls directly from the Calls tab.
Call Links – Shareable links for easy invites, even outside your contact list.
Attendance Tracking – Get notified when someone joins via your link.
Raise Hand – Perfect for virtual meetings without accidental talk-over chaos.
Reaction Emojis & Chat – Engage without derailing the discussion.
Screen Sharing – Now for both video and voice calls.

Add in full end-to-end encryption, and Meta is positioning WhatsApp as not just a social app, but a legitimate remote collaboration tool.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Zero-cost solution compared to enterprise Zoom or Teams subscriptions.
Familiar interface lowers learning curve for staff.
Encryption keeps conversations private.

Cons:

Lacks advanced meeting controls like breakout rooms or detailed analytics.
Reliance on personal phone numbers might blur personal/business boundaries.
Limited integration with corporate workflows compared to dedicated tools.

How This Affects Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

For SMBs, this update is both a golden ticket and a potential headache.

The Good:

Cost savings: No extra licenses for conferencing software.
Accessibility: Employees can join from anywhere, no heavy setup.
Client comfort: Many clients already use WhatsApp, reducing onboarding friction.

The Not-So-Good:

Blurring boundaries: Personal and professional communication on the same platform could invite security risks.
Feature gaps: If you rely on advanced collaboration tools, WhatsApp might still feel like a “Zoom Lite.”
Dependence on mobile numbers: Not ideal for large-scale, anonymous webinars or public events.

Solutions for SMBs:

Separate Business Accounts – Use WhatsApp Business exclusively for work to keep client data and personal chats apart.
Hybrid Approach – Use WhatsApp for quick check-ins and smaller meetings, but retain Zoom/Teams for larger or complex sessions.
Integrate with Calendar Tools – Link WhatsApp call invites to Google or Outlook calendars to ensure better scheduling.
Policy and Training – Create internal guidelines for what type of communication is “WhatsApp-worthy” vs. what belongs in other tools.
Leverage Encryption as a Selling Point – Emphasize to clients that their calls are secure, especially in industries where trust is currency.

Expert Insights

According to digital workplace strategist Priya Mehta, “For SMBs, WhatsApp’s new features can act as a free-tier productivity booster, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all. The real win will be in using it strategically, knowing when WhatsApp is enough, and when a full-fledged conferencing platform is necessary.”

In Conclusion

WhatsApp is no longer just where your aunt sends you chain messages about luck. With these updates, it’s stepping into the remote work arena with a swagger that could make other conferencing tools sweat—especially among cost-conscious SMBs.