WhatsApp is introducing voice chats – a new way to connect with your large WhatsApp groups.

Whether it’s a nail-biting football game or sharing some big family news, there are some moments in the group chat where you just need to talk it out with those available, while continuing to message those that aren’t.

Less disruptive than a group call which rings every member, voice chats start with an in-chat bubble which you tap to join.

Call controls also remain embedded at the top of the chat, so you can quickly unmute, hang up or message the group without having to leave the conversation.

As always, WhatsApp protects your voice chats alongside your personal calls and messages with end-to-end encryption by default.

WhatsApp will be rolling out voice chats globally to large groups, starting with those that have 33 people or more.