A new feature has been implemented for WhatsApp users: communities. This is a way to organize multiple group chats so that discussion in individual groups remains focused on one particular thing, but participants can easily switch between topics.
For example, you can create a community for your neighborhood, then divide the discussion into individual groups: one for group activities, one for organizing household chores, and so on. Each community also has an announcement group where moderators can share top news.
Also, starting today, WhatsApp is rolling out changes that will make communities (but also regular group chats) more useful. As promised, the maximum number of participants in a group was raised to 1,024 (up from 512). If you are making video calls, the maximum is 32 participants.
Another new feature that will come in handy are chat polls, which can help a group or community vote on a particular topic without having to resort to third-party services. Like regular WhatsApp chats, community groups are end-to-end encrypted.
Once you have received the latest version of WhatsApp, you will see a new Community tab (at the top of the screen on Android, bottom on iOS).
The Community feature was developed with feedback from 50 organizations in 15 countries to make sure the new interface meets their needs. The WhatsApp team has promised to continue working on it and adding new features “in the coming months” so that you can send your feedback too.
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