WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature enabling users to send high-quality videos through the popular messaging app. This functionality has been observed in the latest beta versions for both iOS and Android devices and follows the introduction of a similar feature that allowed users to share high-quality photos with beta testers. Additionally, the Meta-owned platform is enhancing its user interface with Material You-themed notifications on Android and refining how profile images are displayed within group chats on iOS.
Users who update to WhatsApp beta for iOS version 23.13.0.76 or WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.14.10 will gain the ability to send videos in high quality, as reported by the feature tracker WABetaInfo. Traditionally, videos sent via WhatsApp undergo compression for optimized network performance, often sacrificing clarity in the process. With the new option, users can select between two video quality settings when sending a video.
As detailed by WABetaInfo, an “HD” button will appear in the video preview window. By selecting this button, users will see a prompt asking if they want to send the video in Standard quality or HD quality. The app will provide a notice informing users that HD quality offers greater clarity, while standard quality delivers a quicker sending time and consumes less device storage.
Similar to the image sharing feature, WhatsApp will default to sending videos in standard quality unless users explicitly choose the HD option for higher resolution. Videos and images sent in HD will be marked with a small HD icon in the media preview within the chat.
Individuals participating in the beta program for WhatsApp on iOS and Android should be able to send HD videos and images upon updating to the most recent version. However, the timeline for the broader release of these features to all users on stable channels remains unclear.
In addition to video enhancements, WhatsApp is also working on features to improve the display of user profile icons in group chats on iOS. Users without a set profile photo will have their initials displayed, facilitating easier identification in larger groups. The platform is also implementing redesigned alerts featuring rounded corners in the latest Android beta version, with expectations for these Material You-themed improvements to be available to stable users in a future update.
