WhatsApp introduces Community, strengthens grip on WhatsApp groups

The most recent beta version of WhatsApp iOS includes a ‘Community’ feature for merging multiple WhatsApp groups.

Creating a WhatsApp group has been child’s play for years. Bringing together multiple groups is impossible. Community is changing that.

WABetainfo, a news site with specifications of WhatsApp beta releases, discovered the ‘Community’ feature in November. Details were limited. The most recent beta version of WhatsApp clarifies the concept.

At the core is the ability to merge WhatsApp groups under one umbrella. Members of multiple groups can be added and removed from a single interface. A Community allows a maximum of ten groups. Once the groups are added, the members of groups will be able to view the posts of other groups. Just like a normal group chat, with centralized management as the differentiator.

As mentioned, the feature is currently only available in the beta version of WhatsApp. It is not clear if and when Community will appear in the live release.

When the function becomes available, the practical applications will be diverse. Community holds promise for organizations using WhatsApp for business communication. Consider the ability to centrally manage the group chats of multiple teams or departments.