WhatsApp Adds @all Mentions, Side Chats, and Poll Upgrades to Group Chats

Meta is introducing @all mentions, one-tap side chats, and enhanced poll features to WhatsApp group chats. The @all feature notifies all group members simultaneously, but in groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use it.

Additional updates include creating new groups from existing ones without manually adding members, as well as poll end times, hidden voter names, and a brief editing window.

Meta states that @all alerts will reach users even if a group chat is muted. However, users can mute @all notifications separately in their settings.

WhatsApp’s New @all Mentions and Side Chats

The @all feature allows users to notify all group members of important or time-sensitive messages without tagging each person individually. Meta cites examples such as school or office closures, event deadlines, and last-minute changes.

In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use @all. While @all alerts are delivered even if the group is muted, users can manage these notifications in their settings.

WhatsApp now enables users to create a new group chat from an existing one with a single tap, eliminating the need to add members individually. Meta highlights this as useful for side conversations, such as planning events or discussing topics in detail without disrupting the main chat.

WhatsApp Polls Now Support End Times and Hidden Voters

Polls now offer three enhancements for group decision-making: users can set an end time to close voting, hide voter names for greater privacy, and edit poll questions within 15 minutes of posting to correct errors or add details.

These features are available within WhatsApp group chats. Once released:

1. Type @all in a group message to notify all members. In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use this feature. Behavior separately in notification settings if you want to mute it whi
2. Use the one-tap option to create a side chat from an existing group instead of starting a new group from scratch.a
3. When creating a poll, set an end time, enable hidden voter names for anonymity, and edit the question within 15 minutes if necessary. Feature Availability if needed.

Availability

There is no specified rollout timeline or whether the features are staged by region or platform. As with previous WhatsApp feature releases, availability may reach accounts gradually.

Meta has not confirmed whether the @all group size threshold of 32 people or the 15-minute poll editing window will change, or when the features will reach all group chats across every WhatsApp platform.