WhatsApp is adding support for video messages. It’s testing a new feature that lets you record and send short videos in real-time, similar to audio messages. The feature is currently available in the latest beta version of the app for Android and iOS, but only for select users. A wider rollout should follow in a few weeks.
This update improves the video messaging experience on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most-used instant messaging app globally. The Meta-owned platform has over two billion users and tops the local chart in several countries around the world. However, it still isn’t the most feature-rich option out there. As in, it’s missing some popular features found on other apps. Thankfully, WhatsApp seems to be ever-improving lately, frequently pushing updates with new features.
One of the upcoming updates will bring video messaging to the platform. Of course, you can already send videos through WhatsApp. It lets you send pre-recorded videos saved in the gallery or use the camera to record a video from within the app (with a size limit). However, these videos don’t evoke a sense of immediacy. Even if you record and send the video in real-time, it goes through as a regular video file.
The upcoming feature, meanwhile, gives video messaging a welcome twist. You will be able to record videos up to one minute long direct from the chat screen. The microphone button that sits to the right of the compose box in WhatsApp will double up as a video button. It will switch between the two with every tap. If you want to record an audio or video, you can press and hold the button (check whether it’s in the audio or video state). The existing function of swiping up to lock the recording will work for videos as well.
Moreover, videos recorded using this feature are circular. They feel like part of the conversation and not a separate video file. Recipients will be able to tell that the video is recorded in real-time during the conversation. While it’s unclear at the moment, WhatsApp probably won’t save the video to the gallery. So you can’t send the same recording to someone else. Recipients also can’t forward those videos to others. That’s not the case with the current state of video messaging in WhatsApp. Even videos recorded from within the app are saved in the gallery.
WhatsApp is playing catch-up to other apps, again
WhatsApp isn’t the first messaging app to introduce a video messaging feature. Telegram already offers the same experience. It’s available in a few other apps as well. Meta is playing catch-up here and is still testing the feature in a small group of beta users. It may take a while before the feature reaches everyone globally.
As pointed out by WABetaInfo, which first reported this update, video messages can’t be sent as “view once,” at least not just yet. But WhatsApp may change a few things before the public rollout. Meanwhile, if you want to try this feature early, you can join WhatsApp’s beta program for Android here and see if you’re lucky enough to get it. Video messages are available with WhatsApp beta version 2.23.13.4 for Android and 23.12.0.71 for iOS.
