How to Create and Share a WhatsApp Video Call Link

A WhatsApp call link lets people join a video call by tapping a link, without you calling each person. It also lets you set up a group video call before everyone is ready, or invite someone who isn't in a WhatsApp group with you. This guide covers creating the link, sharing it with a contact or group, and checking that the call works.

Before you start

Call links are created and hosted by WhatsApp's service. Your phone does not generate them offline. You need an active WhatsApp account and an internet connection to create a link and to join the call. Anyone who opens the link also needs WhatsApp on their own device.

• Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your app store. The call link option is missing or labelled differently in older versions.
• Make sure WhatsApp has camera and microphone permission in your phone's system settings. Without camera permission, others will hear you but not see you.
• Use a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Video calls use far more data than voice calls.
• Decide who should get the link. Anyone who has it can try to join, so treat it like a private invitation.

Step-by-step instructions

Create a video call link on Android or iPhone

• Open WhatsApp and go to the Calls tab.
• Tap Create call link. Depending on your version, it is at the top of the call list or behind a plus or link icon.
• Check the call type and select Video. If voice is selected, tap the call type option to switch.
• Choose how to share it: send it in a WhatsApp chat, copy it, or use your phone's share menu to send it through another app.
• When it's time, open the link yourself or tap the call entry in the Calls tab to join.

Menu labels and icon positions change between app versions and differ slightly between Android and iOS. If a step above doesn't match your screen, look for the word "link" in the Calls tab rather than following the exact position. Creating a link doesn't start a call, so you can make one for testing and simply not share it.

Create a group video call link

• Create a call link with the Video type selected, as described above.
• When asked where to send it, choose the group chat. Alternatively, copy the link and paste it into the group conversation.
• Add a short message with the time of the call so members know when to join.
• Join through the link at that time. Members can join and leave as they tap it.

WhatsApp doesn't have a separate type of group call link. A group call link is an ordinary call link shared in a group. To call the whole group right away, you can instead tap the video call icon inside the group chat. The link works better when people will join at different moments, or when some guests aren't members of the group. WhatsApp sets a limit on how many people can be in one call. Check its current help pages if you expect a large group.

On a computer

Opening a call link on a computer depends on whether you use the desktop app or the browser version. Support has also changed over time. If the link doesn't open a call on your computer, join from your phone. If you use the desktop app, check which camera and microphone are selected in its call settings before you join. Laptops with an external webcam often default to the built-in camera.

Check the output

• Send the link to your own "Message yourself" chat or to someone you trust, then tap it. A join screen means the link works.
• Confirm the join screen shows a video call, not a voice call. If it's a voice call, create a new link with the Video type.
• Before joining, look at the camera preview. Check that the correct camera is active and switch between front and back cameras if needed.
• Check lighting. Put the main light in front of you rather than behind you. A bright window behind you will make your face dark on the other side.

WhatsApp adjusts video quality automatically based on connection speed and device. It doesn't offer manual resolution, frame rate or bitrate settings like recording or streaming software does. If the picture is blurry or freezes, the network is the most likely cause. Also check WhatsApp's data-saving setting for calls, which may reduce quality when turned on. WhatsApp states that calls are end-to-end encrypted. If privacy matters for your call, read its current privacy information rather than relying on assumptions.

Common problems and next steps

Can't find the option to create a call link: update WhatsApp and restart it. Check the Calls tab again, not the chat screen. If it's still missing, your app version or region may not offer it yet.

Someone can't join: make sure they have WhatsApp installed and signed in on the device where they tap the link. If the link opens in a browser instead of the app, ask them to copy it and open it on their phone, or to update the app.

Others see a black screen: check camera permission for WhatsApp in your system settings and close other apps that may be using the camera. Also check that your video isn't switched off with the camera button during the call. On a computer, confirm the selected camera in the app's settings.

The link reached the wrong people: stop sharing it, and when the call starts, watch who joins. If you're not sure the old link can be disabled in your version, create a new link and send it only to the intended people.

Next steps: for regular meetings, create a link ahead of time and pin the message in the group chat so members can find it quickly. Run a short test with one person first. That confirms camera, microphone and lighting before a larger group joins.