There’s a new way to communicate with WhatsApp instant video messages.
WhatsApp has long been loved for sending text messaging, but increasing people have started to use their relatively new voice messaging, where for those too lazy to type they can just hit record and intensely annoy the recipient who then has to listen to find out what’s been said instead of scanning a pop up notification and instantly knowing if it’s something that demands an instant response. It’s great when you’re on a train and don’t want the whole carriage to know what someone has just sent you.
Now WhatsApp have gone one step further by introducing video messaging…. and they play on mute. This means you’ll probably end up watching a muted video and then have to watch again to get any idea of what the person communicating with you wants to say.
And of course I know I’m being dismissive, some people love video and some tolerate voice messaging surprising well, plus of course it brings WhatsApp messaging with video on a par with similar platforms like Telegram who have had the feature for ages.
Some may be reading this and feeling bemused… surely you’ve been able to send video via WhatsApp for ages? And the answer is yes you have been able to, but by using the embedded feature rather than record on your camera and upload from your image roll, you won’t be filling up storage with one-off chats to clutter up your mobile.
The downside is that instant video messages can only be up to 60 seconds long, the upside is that they are protected with end-to-end encryption, ideal I guess for those late night you don’t want intercepted. It could be a lot more useful than pillow talk however, for instance communicating just how bad a water leak under the sink is to a plumber or for businesses that want to show you a product feature to encourage you to make a purchase.
Instant video messages have started to roll out on WhatsApp and if you don’t have them now they’ll arrive in the next few weeks or so. Sending a video message is as simple as sending a voice message. Just tap to switch to video mode, and hold to record the video. You can also swipe up to lock and record the video hands-free.
We think these will be a fun way to share moments with all the emotion that comes from video, whether it’s wishing someone a happy birthday, laughing at a joke, or bringing good news.
– Meta
