WhatsApp has introduced a new feature in its latest beta updates called video messages, which is available to both iOS and Android users. This feature allows users to share brief videos lasting up to 60 seconds with other users. Importantly, these video messages are always end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that neither WhatsApp nor any external party can access them.
Initially, the feature is limited to a select group of beta testers, but it will gradually be made available to more users in the coming weeks. It’s worth noting that users can only exchange video messages with other beta users who have updated their app versions.
To check if their app includes the new feature, users can tap on the microphone button in the chat bar. If the button changes into a video camera icon, they can start sending short video messages. When sending or receiving these messages, users need to enlarge them to listen to the accompanying audio.
While direct forwarding of video messages within the app is not possible, WhatsApp clarified that users can still save them through screen recording, as they are not sent using the view once mode.
According to WhatsApp, when users receive a video message, they will be able to see that it was recently recorded, which enhances its authenticity.
To access this new feature, users need compatible updates: WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.12.0.71 and WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.13.4. Users can download the latest beta versions through the TestFlight app for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android.
