WhatsApp Rolls Out New Instant Video Message Toggle for Android, iOS: Here’s How It Works

WhatsApp has been spotted rolling out a new toggle for its recently launched instant video messaging feature. The messaging platform added the ability to record and send live video messages last month. The feature allows users to send short videos of up to 60 seconds and is enabled by default in the app’s settings. However, the latest WhatsApp beta update for Android and iOS has reportedly added a new toggle in the app’s settings that will give users more control.

according to a Report Published by WhatsApp development tracker WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta 23.18.1.70 for iOS and WhatsApp beta 2.23.18.21 updates for Android add a new toggle for the instant video messaging feature. It will allow users to manually enable or disable the feature by going to the app’s settings and switching to send voice messages. However, users will continue to receive video messages even if the feature is turned off on the phone.

The report also added that many users found that the feature was turned off. Therefore, those who are willing to send instant video messages are advised to check WhatsApp settings.

Users can access this new feature by downloading the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store and the WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. It will reportedly roll out to more users in the coming days.

The messaging app recently introduced the ability to record short videos and send them as messages. As part of this functionality, users can see a video recorder icon next to the text box (like the audio recording feature). After clicking the button, they can record and send a live video message of up to 60 seconds. Notably, these messages are also end-to-end encrypted. By default, video plays without sound when received. To turn on the sound for a video message, the user needs to tap the video again. WhatsApp already offers the option to send images or pre-recorded videos as text media attachments.