whatsapp messaging
Android users dominate the WhatsApp user-base, according to new research from the GlobalWebIndex. The scale could soon tip as the Facebook-owned company releases more updates for Apple users, such as a web-based service. Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, has added a video calling feature to its Android app. It will function just like WhatsApp voice calls, but users can only make calls to others who have the updated app. A video calling icon has replaced the earlier calling icon; tapping on it starts a video call.

It is not yet known how users can make a voice-only call following the update.

The company has been testing the feature in beta versions for both Android and Windows Phone devices. The functionality works for beta version v2.16.316 and beyond. Customers who are part of the company’s official Android Beta Testing Program will also receive the update.

While the video quality depends on the smartphone camera, audio quality will be affected by the data network.

In case your device does not show the feature, wiping WhatsApp data and logging back into the app might help, according to Android Police. The company hasn’t revealed anything about an update for iPhone or Windows Phone yet. WhatsApp recently came out with a camera update, enabling users to draw text and add emojis to videos and photos captured using the app. The company competes with apps such as Line Messenger and WeChat, which have had the feature since long.

Users can download the build from APKmirror.