With excitement, WhatsApp is announcing its latest feature – WhatsApp video calling. In the next couple of days, the instant messaging app’s over one billion users will be able to make video calls across iOS, Windows and Android platforms.

According to WhatsApp, “We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough. There’s no substitute for watching your grandchild take her first steps, or seeing your daughter’s face while she’s studying abroad. And we want to make these features available to everyone, not just those who can afford the most expensive new phones or live in countries with the best cellular networks.”

“Over the years we’ve received many requests from our users for video calling, and we’re excited to finally offer this feature to the world. Thank you for using WhatsApp and we promise to keep working hard every day to improve the service.”

WhatsApp says its goal has always been to help as many people as possible stay in touch with friends, family, and others they care about.

“That means making a product that’s simple, easy to use, and accessible no matter where you are. The company started with messaging and Group Chat, then added voice calling, in a way that works across thousands of device and platform combinations all over the world,” the platform says.

About WhatsApp

More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp1 to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free2 and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.

1 And yes, the name WhatsApp is a pun on the phrase What’s Up.
2 Data charges may apply.

WhatsApp started as an alternative to SMS. Our product now supports sending and receiving a variety of media: text, photos, videos, documents, and location, as well as voice calls. Our messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no third party including WhatsApp can read or listen to them. Behind every product decision is our desire to let people communicate anywhere in the world without barriers.

WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo. WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014, but continues to operate as a separate app with a laser focus on building a messaging service that works fast and reliably anywhere in the world.