WhatsApp Will Soon Let Users Post 1-Minute Status Videos, Transcribe Voice Notes

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Highlights
  • WhatsApp is testing two new features for Android users.
  • These features are expected to go official soon.

WhatsApp plans on adding a few features, according to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo. Two new features have been spotted in the latest beta updates for Android, including, longer status video support and the ability to read voice notes before hearing. Here’s a look at the details.

WhatsApp’s Upcoming Features: Details

The latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.6 update includes the ability to post videos of up to 1 minute in their WhatsApp status updates. WhatsApp currently lets users post 30-second videos in their status updates. It’s a little cumbersome if users want to post longer videos as it requires them to split videos into 30-second clips and post them.

WhatsApp Beta users on Android can post longer status update videos now.
WhatsApp Beta users on Android can post longer status update videos now.

This can be resolved soon. As of now, the feature is available to a limited number of beta testers but is expected to roll out widely soon. This eliminates the need to shorten the video with complex edits to convey a message. Instagram already lets users post longer videos in Stories, it was only a matter of time before the ability came to WhatsApp.

The publication has also found a useful WhatsApp voice notes feature in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.8. This feature allows users to transcribe voice notes to read them instead of hearing them. This feature is intended to enhance convenience and accessibility for WhatsApp users.

WhatsApp has already introduced the voice notes transcription on its Beta for iOS app and is now working on bringing it to Android. The voice note transcription service requires users to download 150MB of new app data. Check out the screenshot below for a better understanding.

WhatsApp users will soon be able to transcribe voice notes.
WhatsApp users will soon be able to transcribe voice notes.

The feature will use the speech recognition feature in Android devices to offer end-to-end encrypted transcripts of voice notes. It’s useful for those with hearing impairment and will also help users read voice notes when these can’t be played. The voice note transcripts are shown in message bubbles just below the voice notes. The feature is still under development and should be rolled out soon to the general audience.