WhatsApp expands Events feature to invite non-users for easier planning

WhatsApp is launching a new Events feature that will allow users to send event invites to guests without WhatsApp accounts. This update is set to roll out globally over the coming weeks. Users can find the new feature in the Events section of the WhatsApp settings menu, which will serve as a hub for managing past and upcoming plans, as well as RSVPs.

This move comes as WhatsApp aims to enhance its event-planning capabilities and make them more accessible beyond the app's existing user base. The decision to allow non-WhatsApp users to receive invites aligns with the platform’s ongoing strategy to broaden its appeal and functionality. WhatsApp has recently introduced other features, such as enabling non-users to join video calls, indicating a clear push to connect with a wider audience.

The Events feature allows hosts to personalize their events with header photos and send custom reminders. Notably, hosts can invite guests who do not have a WhatsApp account. These guests can view event details and RSVP without needing to create an account. Privacy measures are also in place; hosts' phone numbers remain hidden from unfamiliar guests, and the event address is only visible to those who RSVP.

As WhatsApp competes with platforms like Partiful, this expansion of its events tools could help it capture a larger share of the social planning market. The addition of usernames earlier this year and now the Events feature suggests a significant shift toward accommodating users who prefer not to share personal information. This evolution in WhatsApp's offerings may reshape how people plan gatherings and interact socially, potentially altering the landscape of event management apps.