WhatsApp recently introduced a new feature that simplifies the process of planning and organizing events within group messages. This innovative feature allows friends, schools, and neighborhoods to schedule virtual and in-person meetings with ease, making it a game-changer for social gatherings and community events.

The new events feature in WhatsApp enables group members to set up and manage various types of events, such as birthday parties, work meetings, and more. This feature is similar to popular e-vite services that send out invitations via email. Once an event is set up, it is pinned to the group’s information page, allowing all members to view who is attending, hear any excuses from those who cannot make it, and confirm who is bringing specific items, such as cookies.

The events feature will initially be available for groups within WhatsApp Communities, which is the app’s Slack or Discord-like feature that includes its own message threads, group admins, and announcement functions. WhatsApp Communities also leverages the app’s 32-person video calling capabilities, allowing users to join a call without having to ring everyone individually.

In addition to the events feature, WhatsApp is also making changes to its Announcement Groups. These groups, which are used by community admins to broadcast updates, will now allow members to respond and receive feedback that will be visible to everyone. However, notifications for these responses are muted to prevent spamming the entire community.

The introduction of these new features is expected to significantly enhance the user experience on WhatsApp, particularly for groups that rely heavily on communication and organization. The events feature will be rolled out to all groups in the coming months, providing users with a more comprehensive and efficient way to plan and manage events within their groups.

This article was originally published on May 1, 2024, at 2:30 pm ET.