WhatsApp is reportedly in the process of rolling out a new “Motion Photos” feature for its Android app. This feature, which is currently available to some beta testers, is designed to allow users to share animated photos similar to Apple’s Live Photos or Google Pixel’s Top Shot.
Here’s what is known about the feature:
How it Works: Motion Photos capture a brief video clip, including audio, of the moments just before and after a still picture is taken. Instead of a static image, the recipient will be able to see a short animated clip with sound.
What’s New: While users could previously convert live photos into GIFs on WhatsApp, this new feature is expected to be a more seamless experience. It aims to prevent the loss of the animation and audio that can occur when a motion photo is compressed or converted.
Availability: The feature has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.22.29). It will likely be a phased rollout for beta testers before a wider public release.
How to Identify: Screenshots from the beta version show a new icon—a play symbol inside a ring with a small dot—in the top-right corner of supported images in the image picker. Tapping this icon will allow a user to send the picture as a motion photo.
Device Compatibility: The ability to send motion photos will depend on whether a user’s device natively supports the feature, such as Samsung’s “Motion Photos” or Google’s “Top Shot.” However, users will be able to view these motion photos even if their device doesn’t have the capability to capture them. There is no official word yet on when this feature will be made available to all users.
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