WABetaInfo, the platform that keeps track of changes in WhatsApp builds, has reported the instant messaging platform may soon allow its users to preview and send video messages. Released for some beta testers, the feature enables users to record a short video of up to 60 seconds for their contacts.
“As you can see in this screenshot, the preview “Video Message” will show up within the chat list in case you receive a video message. The same feature is also available for images, videos, GIFs, and stickers, and it was made compatible with reactions last year. Now that the preview correctly displays video messages within the chat list, we can say that this is a further step towards developing the feature,” said WABetaInfo.
It is important to note that video messages on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the intended recipients can watch them – not even WhatsApp itself has access. Although video messages cannot be saved or forwarded, users may still capture them by using the screen recording function, as they are not transmitted via the view-once mode.
The option to send video messages is currently being developed and will be included in a forthcoming update of the application.
WhatsApp banned more than 45 lakh accounts in India
According to the monthly user safety report mandated by the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021, WhatsApp has reportedly banned over 4.5 million accounts in India in compliance with the new IT Rules 2021. The report also revealed that in February, the company received an unprecedented 2,804 complaint reports in India, out of which 504 led to remedial actions such as account reinstatement or banning.
