WhatsApp video calling feature appear in latest beta update for Android

Last year in December a a screenshot showing WhatsApp with video calling feature surfaced online. Now WhatsApp has added the video call option in its latest beta (v20.16.80) and is now available on Google Play Store. Note that you should be signed up for WhatsApp beta program to see the new version.

When you make a call, you'll get two options, one for voice call and the other for video call. Currently video calling is not functional, and if you try to place a call, you are greeted with a message saying "Couldn't place call. Video Calling is unavailable at this time." It appears that the video call option has to be activated from server side, which could happen soon.

The changelog mentions, “You get the option to make video calls, that’s not activated yet but soon would be available for everyone to make video calls.” 

Similar to the voice call, the video call feature roll out will take place in phases, and initially will be available for some users via invite, and later roll out to everyone. The update also bring a few bug fixes as well.

WhatsApp is also working on a couple of other features such as send group invite via link, QR codes and NFC tags. 

Via