It's finally here: WhatsApp has officially released 8-person video calling for iOS and Android users worldwide.

Last week, WhatsApp's latest beta for both platforms raised the video call participant limit from four to eight, making it a more viable alternative to better video chat apps like Zoom and Skype.

This increase in the WhatsApp call participant limit was rolled out for iPhone users in an update earlier this week, and at this time Android users can also make 8-person calls.

In a blog post announcing the new feature yesterday (April 28), WhatsApp said that the change was prompted by the shrinking social distance and the growing number of people at home around the world.

The free messaging app is particularly popular for saving money on international communication costs, but if everyone updates, up to eight people will be able to make video calls at any time.

Competing apps such as Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom remain the preferred choice for larger virtual and work-related meetings. However, for those who rely on WhatsApp to keep in touch with distant friends and family, the increased capacity for video chat calls is a welcome addition.

The Facebook Portal also supports WhatsApp, allowing video chats to be enjoyed on TVs and portal smart displays. Here is how to set up the Facebook Portal. (The increased limits are supposed to work with the WhatsApp desktop client on Mac and Windows.)

According to WhatsApp, those who have updated their app should be able to support 8-person video calling. If your friends and family have not yet updated WhatsApp, please let them know to do so now; see here for instructions on how to update WhatsApp. 15]

To start a group video call, from the WhatsApp bottom menu bar, select [Call] Select [Calls] from the menu bar at the bottom of WhatsApp and click on the call icon in the upper right corner of WhatsApp. Tap New Group Call above your contact list. Search or scroll through your contacts and add up to 7 people to the call.

Once you have chosen your group video chat partners, tap the camera icon to start a video call.

Looking for more WhatsApp hacks? How to set up WhatsApp Dark Mode and make a WhatsApp call.