WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that will enable users to share motion photos on the messaging platform. This functionality, currently in the beta phase for Android, will allow users to send short video clips with audio alongside still images, offering an interactive media-sharing experience. Motion photos, similar to Apple’s Live Photos, are typically supported by select smartphones and capture a brief moment before and after a picture is taken.
According to reports, the feature was first detected in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.8.12, which is available via the Google Play Store. The feature tracker WABetaInfo discovered a new media picker interface, which now includes an additional icon in the top-right corner of the pop-up menu, placed next to the HD button. Once activated, this will allow users to share motion photos directly from their Android devices.
Currently, images captured in motion photo mode are sent as regular static pictures on WhatsApp. However, the upcoming update is expected to introduce full support for these images, enabling them to be shared and viewed as animated clips in chats, groups, and channels. While capturing motion photos is limited to certain Android smartphones, WhatsApp is reportedly working on making them viewable on all devices, including those that do not natively support this feature.
For iPhone users, motion photos will appear as Live Photos when the feature is rolled out for iOS. Though the exact release date has not been confirmed, it is expected that this update will be available in a future WhatsApp version, further enhancing the app’s media-sharing capabilities.
