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Facebook owned messaging service, WhatsApp, is to let eight people hold a video chat together at the same time - doubling the current limit of four.

It's not clear exactly when the new limit will be introduced as it's only being made available as part of the pre-release beta version of the mobile app at the moment.

WhatsApp is already well behind other social messaging services in terms of the size of group video calls - with sister app Facebook Messenger allowing 50 people. 

There's been a surge in use for video chat apps since the start of lockdown measures to slow the spread of coronavirus as people find new ways to stay in contact. 

The new eight person video chat limit has gone live in beta versions of WhatsApp for both iOS and Android - you have to be on the beta list to use them

It's not clear exactly when the new limit will be introduced as it's only being made available as part of the pre-release beta version of the mobile app at the moment

WhatsApp serves more than two billion users and is one of the most downloaded apps on Android and iPhone devices - but it is under increasing competition. 

It's video chat feature has been limited to four users as other services dramatically increase the maximum concurrent users.

For example, Apple FaceTime allows 32 people in a video call at the same time, Facebook Messenger allows for 50 and Zoom allows hundreds to connect. 

The new eight person video chat limit has gone live in beta versions of WhatsApp for both iOS and Android - you have to be on the beta list to use them.

To have more than four people in a call you have to make sure that everyone you invite is also using the new beta version of WhatsApp. 

The beta included a new UI that makes it easier to add extra participants and applies to both voice and video calls.   

WhatsApp has also been working with the UK government and World Health Organisation to provide automated information 'bots' to provide details of COVID-19. 

To have more than four people in a call you have to make sure that everyone you invite is also using the new beta version of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is already well behind other social messaging services in terms of the size of group video calls - with sister app Facebook Messenger allowing 50 people

Earlier this month the service also imposed a limit on how many times a viral message could be forwarded to other chats. 

This was part of a series of moves to stop the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic.

'We believe it's important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation,' said a spokesperson for WhatsApp.

WhatsApp also confirmed it was testing a feature which would allow users to find out more information about frequently forwarded messages that reach them.

WhatsApp launches new sticker pack to help people stay connected during the pandemic 

Facebook-owned WhatsApp has launched a new range of stickers aimed at people people stuck indoors during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The service has worked with the World Health Organisation to develop the stickers, which can be posted into chats.

The stickers encourage people to keep social distancing, to check in on elderly relatives and to wash their hands 

WhatsApp said the aim of the new range was to help users more accurately communicate the thoughts and feelings of lockdown.

The stickers are known as the Together at Home pack and include reminders to wash hands, maintain social distancing and check in on loved ones.

'We're excited to work with the World Health Organization to launch the 'Together at Home' sticker pack that will help people stay connected throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond,' WhatsApp said.

'Stickers like these can be funny, educational and universal, breaking through language, age, and other barriers.

'We hope people enjoy using these stickers to check in on loved ones, particularly those that are feeling isolated, alone, and scared.' 

The sticker pack is now available inside the app and comes in ten languages at launch: English, Arabic, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.