Signal is getting new video calling features, making it a viable alternative to Zoom, Meet and Teams

Privacy-focused messaging app Signal is adding new features for video calls, including links, reactions and a call tab, in an effort to make itself an alternative to Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.

The highlight of the update is the new “Calls” tab, which allows you to make new calls, manage call links, and check your call history.

The tab allows you to create links for calls, so instead of creating a group, you can just share the link with people – similar to how Meet, Zoom and Team work. Links are reusable, so you can use them for recurring meetings.

You also get the usual management features like the ability to name calls, allow people to join meetings, or kick, delete and block them. Participants can queue to ask questions with a Meet-esque raise-your-hand feature.

People using the Signal desktop app can switch between grid, sidebar or speaker view.

Signal introduced encrypted group video calls in 2020 and currently supports groups of up to 50 people. Rival WhatsApp began allowing people to share calls feature links in 2022, and this June added screen sharing, speaker lighting, and support for 32-person video calls.

“Video calls have become the new normal meeting place for organizations, workplaces, and groups of friends around the world. As communication trends change, Signal’s promise of a private communication environment has not changed. To make Signal’s calling better overall, we’ve spent the past few months making welcome improvements,” the company said in a blog post.

Signal is rolling out this feature to its iOS, Android, and desktop apps.