WhatsApp Begins Testing Sending HD Quality Videos
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, has started testing a new feature that allows users to send high-quality videos. This feature has been observed in the latest beta versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android. It comes shortly after a similar feature was introduced for sending high-quality photos to beta testers. Additionally, WhatsApp is working on implementing Material You-themed alerts for Android and improving the display of profile images in group chats on iOS.
Upon updating to WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.13.0.76 and WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.14.10, users will gain the ability to send high-quality videos, as reported by WABetaInfo, a feature tracker. Currently, videos shared on WhatsApp are compressed to enhance network performance, resulting in reduced video quality. With the new feature, users will be presented with two video quality options when attaching a video.
As explained by the feature tracker, when users share a video, they will see an “HD” button in the preview window. Tapping this button will prompt a pop-up message asking whether the video should be sent in Standard quality or HD quality. The app will also provide information to users, stating that HD quality offers clearer videos, while standard quality ensures faster sending and less storage usage on their smartphones.
WhatsApp high-quality videos: How does this feature work?
WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature on its beta update channel for iOS and Android, allowing users to send high-definition (HD) videos and images. However, it is uncertain when this feature will be available to all users on the stable update channel, as the company has not provided any official information regarding its release.
In addition to the HD media feature, WhatsApp is also working on enhancing the display of profile icons in groups on iOS. If a user has not set a profile photo, the messaging platform will display their initials instead. This improvement aims to make it easier for users to identify participants in large group conversations.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is introducing redesigned alerts with rounded corners on the latest Android beta version. These updates follow the Material You design theme and are expected to be rolled out to users on the stable update channel in a future update.
It’s important to note that the availability of these features may vary depending on the platform and the user’s chosen update channel.
WhatsApp is planning to introduce a button in the drawing editor that will enable users to share higher-quality videos while maintaining the current video resolution settings. The platform will still utilize compression techniques, meaning that the video quality will not be true HD but will be better than the current level.
The report suggests that WhatsApp will set the default option to standard quality, requiring users to actively choose the high-quality option each time they share a video. Currently, WhatsApp compresses videos to standard quality by default. However, users will have the option to send videos of higher quality by selecting the HD option, which will apply slight compression to the video. While the HD version won’t match the original quality, it will offer a significantly improved viewing experience. For instance, the standard quality maybe 416 x 880 pixels and 6.3MB, whereas the HD quality could be 608 x 1296 pixels and 12MB.
When sending videos on WhatsApp, it is expected that the default video quality will remain standard definition (SD). To send videos in higher quality (HD), users will need to manually choose the HD option, similar to how HD photos are currently sent.
The description provided by WhatsApp when sending videos emphasizes that HD quality provides a clearer viewing experience, while standard quality consumes less storage space and enables faster sending.
A select number of beta users who downloaded Android version 2.23.14.10 from the Google PlayStore are now receiving this capability. However, it is anticipated that all users will have access to the functionality with the upcoming release. Additionally, WhatsApp has added a new feature that lets Windows desktop users make video and voice conversations with a group of up to 32 individuals. Only group audio calls and video calls for up to 32 persons were previously enabled by the desktop software.
When will the new feature be available?
A select number of beta users who downloaded Android version 2.23.14.10 from the Google PlayStore are now receiving this capability. However, it is anticipated that all users will have access to the functionality with the upcoming release. Additionally, WhatsApp has added a new feature that lets Windows desktop users make video and voice conversations with a group of up to 32 individuals. Only group audio calls and video calls for up to 32 persons were previously enabled by the desktop software.