WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to use the Raise Hand emoji during voice and video calls. This feature serves as a polite gesture to let other participants know that you want to speak without having to interrupt the ongoing conversation.
This raised hand emoji function is not new and has long been used in Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. In contrast, WhatsApp is more synonymous with casual and small-scale communication. Thus, with this addition, it gives WhatsApp the opportunity to be used in more formal situations such as important discussions.
When this feature is enabled, the hand icon will appear clearly on the screen of all participants. It is useful during a conversation session involving many participants, especially for formal situations where only one person is speaking at a time. This function is being tested among selected beta users and is expected to be made publicly available soon.