WhatsApp recently introduced a new feature for video messages that allows users to preview videos before sending them. This feature helps ensure videos are ready to be sent and prevents any embarrassing mistakes.
What is the new WhatsApp video message feature?
The new WhatsApp video message feature allows users to preview videos before hitting send. After recording a video message, a preview screen will appear showing the footage. Users can then choose to re-record the video, delete it, or send it.
This preview screen is great for catching any unwanted moments, making sure you’re happy with the video, and confirming it’s ready to send to your friends or family. It gives you a chance to review the footage and make changes if needed.
Why did WhatsApp add this feature?
WhatsApp likely added this video preview feature to improve the user experience and prevent common video messaging mistakes. Some key reasons include:
- Prevent Accidental Sends – By previewing videos before sending, it stops users from accidentally sending unfinished, blurry, or embarrassing videos.
- Catch Unwanted Moments – The preview allows users to catch any unwanted moments, background objects/people, or parts they don’t want seen before sending.
- Confirm Video is Finished – Users can confirm the video message is complete and finished before officially sending it.
- Check Quality – Users can check the video quality and lighting to make sure it meets their standards.
- Give Confidence – Being able to preview and confirm videos can give users more confidence in sending video messages.
Overall, the goal is to improve the video messaging experience and give users more control before hitting send. The video preview feature helps achieve this.
How does the WhatsApp video preview work?
The WhatsApp video preview feature is very easy to use when sending a new video message:
- Open an individual or group chat in the WhatsApp app.
- Tap the camera icon to record a new video message.
- Record your video message within the app as normal.
- After recording, a preview screen will appear showing your video. This screen has the following options:
- Re-record – Delete the current video and record a new one.
- Delete – Discard the current video message.
- Send – Approve the video and officially send it in the chat.
- Review your video, making any desired changes. Once ready, tap ‘Send’ to deliver the video message.
It’s a very quick and easy process that gives users the chance to confirm videos before sending. The video preview also only appears for newly recorded videos – any existing videos in your gallery will send as normal without a preview.
On which WhatsApp platforms is video preview available?
The video preview feature is available on WhatsApp for the following platforms:
- WhatsApp for Android
- WhatsApp for iOS (iPhone)
- WhatsApp Web
- WhatsApp Desktop
So users on Android phones, iPhones, WhatsApp Web, and the desktop app can all access the video preview feature. However, it is not yet available on WhatsApp for Windows Phone or KaiOS devices. The rollout is still continuing, so make sure you update your WhatsApp app to the latest version.
How has reaction been to the new preview feature?
Early reaction to the WhatsApp video preview feature has been very positive. Users in particular seem happy about the ability to double check videos before sending and prevent any video messaging blunders.
Some key benefits highlighted by users include:
- Gives confidence in sending videos knowing they have been checked.
- Simple and easy process that fits in seamlessly with existing video messaging.
- Helps avoid sending unfinished or embarrassing video messages by mistake.
- Provides more control over video messaging through re-record and delete options.
- A major improvement to the WhatsApp video messaging experience.
The video preview has also been described as long overdue and a feature users have wanted to see added for a while. Overall, it appears to be a welcome upgrade that improves reliability and gives users more control when video messaging.
Are there any downsides to the video preview feature?
There are not many downsides to the WhatsApp video preview feature. However, a couple things to note include:
- Takes slightly longer to send videos with the extra preview step.
- Cannot preview existing or gallery videos, only newly recorded ones.
- No options to edit or trim the video in preview.
- Uses more data as you must re-record unwanted videos.
Mostly though, these are minor inconveniences when compared with the benefits of being able to preview and confirm videos before sending. Overall the video preview feature provides a much better user experience.
How can I use the video preview feature?
Using the WhatsApp video preview feature is easy and takes just a few steps:
- Open WhatsApp and a chat window as normal.
- Tap the camera icon in the text box to record a new video message.
- Capture your video message within the WhatsApp camera.
- After recording, tap ‘Stop’ and the video preview screen will appear.
- On this screen you can re-record, delete, or send the video.
- If happy with the video, tap ‘Send’ to deliver it to your chosen recipient.
The process seamlessly integrates with the existing WhatsApp video messaging function. All you need to do is update WhatsApp to the latest version on your device.
You can also access video preview when recording voice messages. It works the same way, allowing you to preview the voice message before sending.
What are some tips for using video preview?
To take full advantage of the WhatsApp video preview feature, keep these tips in mind:
- Preview videos in different lighting conditions to check visibility.
- Use headphones to check audio quality.
- Keep the preview screen covering your camera to maintain privacy.
- Move the camera around to check for unwanted backgrounds.
- Use the re-record and delete options liberally until happy.
- Double check who you are sending the video to before approving.
- Preview voice messages to check audio levels and quality.
Getting in the habit of previewing every video and voice message takes no time at all. But doing so helps avoid many common messaging mistakes!
Can I turn off video preview?
Currently there is no setting in WhatsApp to disable the video preview feature. The preview screen automatically appears after recording new videos within the app.
However, there are a couple of workarounds if you do not want to use the video preview feature:
- Record videos in your device’s camera app, then send them through WhatsApp as existing media without preview.
- Install a third party app like WhatsApp Plus which may allow disabling video preview.
But overall, having the video preview enabled is recommended in order to catch any issues before sending videos to your contacts. It’s a useful quality check to go through each time.
Is video preview available on WhatsApp Desktop?
Yes, the video preview feature is available on both WhatsApp Desktop for Mac and PC. Like on mobile, you can access it when recording video messages within WhatsApp chats.
To use it:
- Open the WhatsApp Desktop app and a chat.
- Click the camera icon in the text box to record a new video message.
- Record your video in the desktop app as normal.
- Once finished, the video preview screen will appear.
- Review your video here before clicking ‘Send’ to deliver it.
The process works seamlessly and identical to mobile. Having video preview on desktop is great for checking videos before sending from your computer.
Can businesses use the video preview feature?
Yes, the WhatsApp video preview feature is available for both personal and business accounts. Any user can access video preview when sending new video messages.
This makes it a useful tool for businesses communicating with customers via WhatsApp. Video preview allows businesses to:
- Maintain brand image by previewing videos before sending.
- Check videos represent products/services accurately.
- Confirm staff appear professional on camera.
- Review video quality and lighting.
- Avoid sending incorrect or unfinished video messages.
Overall, the preview feature gives businesses more control over their WhatsApp video messaging. It helps ensure any videos sent to customers are accurate, high-quality, and represent the brand well.
Conclusion
The new WhatsApp video preview feature provides a valuable way for users to review and confirm videos before sending. It helps prevent common video messaging mistakes and gives more control over the process.
Early response has been very positive, with users highlighting benefits such as increased confidence and improved reliability when sending videos. It’s a simple feature but makes a big difference to the WhatsApp messaging experience.
While not many downsides, make sure to use video preview for any new videos recorded within WhatsApp. Check for quality, unwanted footage, completion, and who you send to. Overall, having the ability to preview videos before sending is a welcome upgrade to WhatsApp’s popular video messaging capabilities.