WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has introduced a new feature that allows users to exchange short video messages in their chats, similar to voice notes. The feature, known as “video message,” permits users to send and receive videos up to 60 seconds long in their conversations. WhatsApp emphasizes that the feature includes end-to-end encryption to ensure user privacy. While currently available to select users, it is expected to be rolled out to all users soon.
In a Facebook post, Mark Zuckerberg, the chief of Meta, announced the new feature, highlighting its ease of use, comparable to sending a quick voice message. This video message feature enables users to record personalized video messages for various occasions, such as birthdays, sharing good news, or conveying important information.
The update will be made available to all users through the latest version of the WhatsApp app on both Google Play Store and App Store. Similar to voice notes, users can switch to video mode by tapping and holding the icon to the right of the text field. To send a video message, users can swipe up to unlock and start recording the video. When the recipient opens the video message in the chat, it will play automatically without sound. Tapping on the video will activate the sound.
Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced the “silence unknown call” feature and allowed users to edit a sent message within 15 minutes. The platform is also reportedly working on enabling usernames for users.
