Privacy-focused messaging app Signal is adding new features for video calls, including links, reactions and a calls tab, in a bid to pose as an alternative to Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
The highlight of the update is a new “Calls” tab, which lets you make new calls, manage call links, and check your call history.
The tab lets you create links for calls, so instead of creating a group, you can just share the link with people — similar to how Meet, Zoom and Teams function. The links are reusable, so you can use them for recurring meetings as well.
You also get commonly seen management features like the ability to name calls, manually allow people join meetings, or kick, remove and block them. Participants can queue up to ask questions through a Meet-esque hand-raising feature.
People using Signal’s desktop app can switch between grid, sidebar or speaker views.
Signal introduced encrypted group video calls in 2020 and currently supports groups of up to 50 people. Rival WhatsApp started letting people share links to calls feature in 2022, and this June added screen sharing, speaker spotlight, and support for 32-people video calls.
“Video calls have become a new normal meeting place for organizations, workplaces, and groups of friends all over the world. As communication norms change, Signal’s promise of a private place to communicate stays the same. To make Signal calling better overall, we’ve spent the last few months building some welcome improvements,” the company said in a blog post.
Signal is rolling out the feature on its iOS, Android, and desktop apps.