What is WhatsApp Guest Chat Feature? When Will It Release?

Meta is creating a temporary room for people who do not use WhatsApp but want to interact with users using the popular messaging app. The company is testing a feature dubbed ‘Guest chat,’ which allows a user to chat on the messaging app without having to download it.

As of this writing, Meta has allowed access to limited users and no official release is being done. If the feature works, maybe we will soon see it in our ‘Invite a Friend’ section, which is currently used to send people without WhatsApp on their phones a link to download the app.

This is similar to strangers' chat websites, where two unknown people are connected randomly through a server where they can talk without knowing each other. However, in the ‘Guest Chat’ feature, both people know each other. The one user having the app can send an invite link to the other and once accepted, a secure space having end-to-end encryption will allow both of them to talk. That’s a good way to save mobile storage.

Moreover, users must know that these are temporary chat rooms. If you are keeping up with the person, talking consistently, then only the room will stay active. Once you have abandoned the chat and none of you are interacting, the room will vanish after 10 days of inactivity. Much like Snapchat, but with a 10 days notice before a streak disappears.

And note that there won’t be any notifications, so keep checking it manually if you are finally getting access to it. Or just lose the room.

Why Guest Chat?

The feature is clearly a move from Meta to onboard more users on its platform. The temporary chat might pull in a non-user. That’s one way of thinking about it. Currently, WhatsApp claims to have over 3 billion users across the world. Maybe Meta is targeting half the global population using the app next.

However, this will also make it easier for people unable to access the app due to different reasons, like low-end smartphones in which storage can be an issue. Or just that, some people don’t really like using the popular chatting app.

This Isn’t Exactly a Risk-Free Feature

The main thing associated with this feature is the link we share. Now, there can be two scenarios with this. One is that a normal person can use it to initiate a conversation that can be casual, about work, or about anything normal folks do when it comes to chatting with people. Another is a malevolent entity using the feature, sending daily users a link to initiate chat. Their ill intentions can range from drawing your personal information to harassing you.

As of now, only text messages and voice notes are enabled for the WhatsApp Guest chat, but more elements for users can be included if it gets a successful run. Still, be aware of any similar link coming to you from a stranger, be it in your email or anywhere else. Precaution is always better than the cure.