WhatsApp has rolled out three new functions for groups, introducing the ability to tag every participant using a new mention feature, improved polls, and a streamlined option to quickly create new related groups. These new functions follow earlier updates earlier this year, when WhatsApp rolled out the lidtag, group chat history, and event reminders.
Tagging Every Participant with @everyone
In group chats, most people, especially in very large groups, will have notifications muted by default. But sometimes there are messages or announcements that are relevant to everyone and need to be read immediately. From now on, you can use the @iedereen tag to create a message that is relevant to every participant in the group. If you send a message with such a tag, everyone will receive a notification of it, even if they have muted the chat. In groups with 32 people or more, only the admin can send such a mention.
If you don’t want to receive a notification from such an @iedereen mention either, you can still turn that off in your notification settings.
Advanced Polling Controls and Deadlines
You can now also set an end time for polls in groups. This determines until when people can vote, which helps in making faster decisions for, for example, a date or activity. Also, when creating, you can now choose to hide names so that no one sees who voted for what. Finally, you have the option to modify a poll within 15 minutes after it was created.
Creating Related Sub-Groups Instantly
Sometimes it happens that within a group chat with a number of members, a separate conversation arises that long not everyone needs to bother with. In such a case, you can now start a new group chat with a tap. In the settings for a group you will find the new option Create a similar group, after which the members from the original group are immediately checked. You can then remove the ones who don’t need to become part of the second group.
Pro Tip: The new features for group chats in WhatsApp are available from now on. Don’t see them yet? Then make sure you have the latest version of the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone use the @everyone tag in large WhatsApp groups?
In groups with 32 people or more, only the admin can send such a mention.
How long do I have to edit a poll after creating it?
You have the option to modify a poll within 15 minutes after it was created.
How do I make a spin-off group from an existing chat?
In the settings for a group you will find the new option Create a similar group, after which the members from the original group are immediately checked, allowing you to remove the ones who don’t need to become part of the second group.
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