WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to send instant video messages, similar to Telegram. With this feature, you can easily share what you’re doing with your friends without the need for creating a Story or a separate video clip.
The videos can be up to a minute long, and all you have to do is tap and hold a button to capture the footage. You can even swipe up to continue recording hands-free.
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The videos will play on mute by default, ensuring that you don’t startle anyone until you’re ready to turn on the sound with a tap. As with most features on WhatsApp, the instant video messages are end-to-end encrypted, providing an added layer of privacy.
The company plans to make this feature available to all users in the “coming weeks.”
Although this feature may not replace apps like Telegram or Snapchat for many users, it could be appreciated by those who prefer not to switch between apps just to send quick video messages. It allows you to share news or react to a friend in a more personal way than using text or stickers.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has an incentive to introduce such features. While WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion active users, Telegram is rapidly expanding with an estimated 700 million active users each month.
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Additionally, Snapchat continues to grow despite competition from other social platforms. Apple’s iOS 17 will also introduce FaceTime video voicemail to iPhone users.
While instant video messages alone may not attract new users, they could help retain existing WhatsApp users and prevent them from migrating to other platforms.
