⚡ Quick Answer
Yes, WhatsApp has a legitimate “Call Link” feature that allows users to create shareable links for video and voice calls (supporting up to 32 people). However, because of this feature, scammers frequently send fake messages like “use this link to join my whatsapp video” to steal personal data or install malware. Never click a link from an unknown number. Legitimate WhatsApp links always start with https://call.whatsapp.com/.
If you have recently received a message saying, “use this link to join my whatsapp video,” you are likely wondering whether it is safe to click. In the era of remote work and digital hangouts, WhatsApp features have evolved rapidly.
In late 2022, WhatsApp rolled out official “Call Links,” making it incredibly easy to host large video calls simply by sharing a URL. Unfortunately, cybercriminals quickly caught on. Today, this exact phrase is used in both legitimate meeting invites and malicious phishing attempts. Let’s break down how to use the real feature and how to dodge the scams.
How the Legitimate WhatsApp Call Link Works
WhatsApp’s official call link feature is designed to compete with Zoom and Google Meet. It allows anyone with a WhatsApp account to join a call—voice or video—just by tapping a secure URL. These calls remain end-to-end encrypted.
Steps to Create Your Own Video Link:
- Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap on the Calls tab.
- Step 2: Tap “Create call link” at the top of the screen.
- Step 3: Select your preferred Call Type (Video or Voice).
- Step 4: Toggle “Require approval to join” if you want a waiting room feature (highly recommended for privacy).
- Step 5: Copy the link, share it via WhatsApp, or send it through email/calendar invites.
Note: Call links automatically expire if they are unused for 30 days. For more details on group features, check out the official WhatsApp Call Links documentation.
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Beware of the “Join My Video” Scam
Because people are now used to receiving video links, scammers blast out text messages with phrases like “use this link to join my whatsapp video” or “I made a private video for you, join here.”
Clicking a fraudulent link can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Malware Installation: Automatically downloading spyware onto your smartphone.
- Phishing Pages: Directing you to a fake WhatsApp login page designed to steal your PIN code.
- SIM Swapping: Gathering enough personal data to hijack your mobile number entirely.
Comparison: Real Link vs. Scam Link
| Feature | ✅ Legitimate WhatsApp Link | ❌ Red Flags (Scam Link) |
|---|---|---|
| URL Structure | Starts strictly with https://call.whatsapp.com/ |
Uses shorteners (bit.ly), weird characters (ʷhatsapp), or unrelated domains. |
| Sender | Sent by a known contact or expected calendar invite. | Arrives randomly from an unknown number or foreign country code. |
| Urgency | Casual invite (“Join when you can”). | High pressure (“Join now before it’s deleted!”). |
| WhatsApp Warning | Appears as a normal clickable box. | WhatsApp may flag it with a “Suspicious Link” red warning. |
Essential Security Best Practices
To ensure you are keeping your messaging apps secure, follow these golden rules whenever you receive a video link:
- Verify the Sender: If a friend sends a random link without context, call them to confirm their account wasn’t hacked.
- Never Share Your PIN: WhatsApp will never ask for your 6-digit verification code to join a video call.
- Enable Two-Step Verification: This is your best defense against account takeovers. Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification.
- Report and Block: If an unknown number sends you a suspicious video link, use WhatsApp’s built-in block and report features immediately. You can read more about identifying WhatsApp scams from cybersecurity experts at Avast.
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