WhatsApp Motion Photos Sharing for Android: New Update

Meta Description: WhatsApp is testing the Motion Photos sharing feature for Android users, allowing you to send short video clips along with still images. Find out more.

WhatsApp is finally testing the feature that Android users have been waiting for sharing motion photos. Initially available for iOS, WhatsApp is rolling out this feature to select Android devices, allowing users to send motion photos in individual chats, group chats, and channels. This new feature lets Android smartphone users send a short audio-visual clip alongside a still image, capturing a brief moment while taking the photo.

What are Motion Photos?

Motion photos are a unique way of capturing a still image along with a few seconds of video. Popular on devices like Samsung Galaxy smartphones and Google Pixel, these motion pictures create a small video snippet that plays before or after the still image, bringing photos to life.

On Samsung phones, it’s called “Motion Photo,” while Google’s Pixel phones use the term “Top Shot” or “Motion Photos.” For iPhone users, Apple has a similar feature called Live Photos, which works the same way.

Motion Photos Sharing on WhatsApp: What You Need to Know

The new WhatsApp update, currently in beta, is bringing motion photos to Android users. This will allow users to send and receive motion photos just like regular images. In individual or group chats, users will soon have the option to choose between sharing a static image or a motion photo directly from their gallery. A new button will be added to the gallery overlay that will make it easier for users to select and send motion photos.

However, not every Android user will be able to enjoy this feature right away. If a user receives a motion photo and their device doesn’t support the feature, the image will appear as an unsupported file type, and the motion effect won’t be visible. As of now, this feature is available to a select group of beta testers, with the broader rollout expected to happen soon.

When Will It Be Available for Everyone?

Currently, this feature is only available for a limited number of users who are using the WhatsApp beta version (2.25.8.12) on Android. Since the feature is still in development, it may take a while before it becomes available to all users. However, once it rolls out to more devices, Android users will be able to share and receive motion photos easily in their chats.

This update brings WhatsApp on par with iOS in terms of multimedia sharing and is expected to make messaging more interactive and engaging. Users of devices like Samsung and Pixel will particularly benefit from this feature, as they are the main devices that support motion photos natively.

Conclusion

The introduction of motion photos on WhatsApp for Android users is an exciting development. By allowing users to send short video clips along with still photos, WhatsApp is enhancing the way we share and interact with media. Though the feature is still in its beta phase, it’s expected to roll out to more users in the near future.

So, if you’re an Android user with a compatible device, keep an eye out for this exciting new feature on WhatsApp! “WhatsApp is not just improving media sharing but also enhancing engagement within WhatsApp Channels. A new update will soon allow users to add images to polls, making them more interactive. Learn more about the WhatsApp Channels photo polls update .”