WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature for Android users that enables sending motion photos—images capturing a few seconds of movement and sound before and after the shot.
Highlights
- New Feature Testing: WhatsApp is beta testing motion photos with audio support on Android, allowing users to send short moving images with sound.
- Native Support: Unlike previous workarounds, WhatsApp now enables sending motion photos without converting them into videos, preserving both motion and sound.
- Compatible Devices: Available for select beta users on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, with some Pixel Pro users needing to disable 50MP mode for full functionality.
- Recipient Experience: Even if a recipient’s device doesn’t support motion photos, they can still view the messages without format loss.
- Streamlined Sharing: Users no longer need third-party apps to share motion photos, simplifying multimedia messaging.
- Gradual Rollout: Currently limited to beta testers, with plans to expand availability in the coming weeks via the Google Play Store beta program.
This capability was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.25.22.29 and is currently rolling out to select beta testers.
What Are Motion Photos?
Motion photos are not new to smartphones; for example, Samsung calls them Motion Photos, while Google Pixel phones offer a similar Top Shot mode.
The distinguishing factor in WhatsApp’s implementation is its native support for sending motion photos without converting them into videos, preserving both audio and visual elements in chats.
Users with compatible devices can tap a new icon in the image selection screen to share a motion photo, complete with sound.
Compatibility and User Access
This feature is available to select beta testers using WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.22.29. Compatible devices include:
- Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Motion Photo capability
- Google Pixel devices offering Top Shot or Motion Photo
Some Pixel Pro users may need to temporarily disable the 50MP high-resolution mode to use the Top Shot feature effectively.
Even if recipients’ devices do not support motion photo capture, they will still be able to view the motion photo messages received, which addresses previous challenges where motion photos were converted into video files.
Streamlining Multimedia Sharing
By integrating motion photo support directly into WhatsApp, users no longer need third-party apps to send these dynamic images. This integration simplifies sharing enriched multimedia content, making it more accessible and convenient.
Rollout and Future Availability
Currently limited to beta testers, WhatsApp plans to gradually expand the feature to a wider user base in the coming weeks. Interested users can join the beta program via the Google Play Store to participate in testing.
WhatsApp has not announced an official timeline for a full public release yet.