WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, and it is always working on adding new features to make communication more fun and convenient. Recently, WhatsApp has started testing a new update called Motion Photos for Android users. This feature is already available in some smartphone camera apps like Samsung’s Motion Photos or Google Pixel’s Top Shot, and now WhatsApp is bringing it directly to its platform.
In this article, we will discuss what Motion Photos are, how this feature works in WhatsApp, what requirements are needed to use it, and what other new features are coming along with it.
What Are Motion Photos?
Motion Photos is a camera feature that records a few seconds of video and audio around the moment you take a photo. In simple words, it is not just a still image but a small clip that captures the moments just before and after pressing the shutter button.
This means the photo feels more alive because it shows a bit of movement and also includes the sound from that moment. For example, if you take a Motion Photo of a birthday cake cutting, you might see the candle flames moving and hear people clapping or singing “Happy Birthday.”
Many smartphone brands have their own versions of this feature:
- Samsung Motion Photos – Found in the default Samsung Camera app.
- Google Pixel Top Shot – Records a short video clip before and after the main photo.
- Apple Live Photos – Captures 1.5 seconds of motion on each side of the photo.
Now WhatsApp is adding a similar ability so you can share these lively photos directly through chat without converting them into videos first.
How Motion Photos Work in WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s new Motion Photos feature was spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for Android. At the moment, it is being tested with a small group of beta users before a wider rollout.
Here’s how it works:
- Selecting a Photo – When you choose a photo from your phone’s gallery in WhatsApp, you will see a new icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
- New Motion Photo Icon – The icon looks like a small circle with a ring around it, similar to a play button symbol.
- Sending a Motion Photo – If the photo you selected is a Motion Photo, you can tap this icon to send it with its movement and sound included.
- Viewing a Motion Photo – When the recipient opens the photo, they will see the short animation and hear the audio recorded at that moment.
The important point is that your phone must already have the Motion Photo capability in its camera for you to capture such photos. WhatsApp is only enabling the option to send and view them — it is not adding the camera feature itself.
Requirements to Use Motion Photos in WhatsApp
Not every phone can use this feature. To send a Motion Photo on WhatsApp:
- Your smartphone camera must support Motion Photos (Samsung, Pixel, and some other Android models have it).
- You must capture the photo using your phone’s Motion Photo or Live Photo mode.
- Your WhatsApp app should be updated to a version that supports the feature (currently in beta).
If your phone does not support Motion Photos, you will still be able to view them if someone sends one to you. You just cannot capture or send them yourself.
Why This Feature Is Useful
The Motion Photos feature will make photo sharing on WhatsApp more engaging because:
- Captures Emotions Better – Instead of a still image, you get movement and sound that bring back memories more vividly.
- No Need for Separate Video Clips – You don’t have to send a full video for a few seconds of action.
- Easy Sharing – Directly send from your gallery without converting files.
For people who like to share special moments, this is a more personal and fun way to connect with friends and family.
Other Upcoming WhatsApp Features
Alongside Motion Photos, WhatsApp is also working on another major update — Username Sharing.
WhatsApp Username Feature
With this update, users will be able to share their username instead of their phone number. This will be a big step towards improving privacy and security.
Benefits include:
- You can chat with someone without revealing your personal mobile number.
- Makes it safer when connecting with new people.
- Useful for business accounts, event contacts, and online communities.
This feature is still under development, but it has the potential to change the way people connect on WhatsApp.
Privacy and Safety Aspects
New features always raise questions about privacy. Motion Photos include audio, so be mindful about what background sounds are captured before sharing.
WhatsApp already has many features to protect your chats and media, such as end-to-end encryption. You can also explore additional safety tools like:
- WhatsApp Safety Overview & Group Scam Protection to avoid being added to unwanted groups.
- WhatsApp Call Reminder & Profile Photo Import for better control over your calling and profile updates.
These help keep your account safe while enjoying new features like Motion Photos.
Motion Photos vs. View Once Feature
Some people may confuse Motion Photos with WhatsApp’s View Once feature.
Here’s the difference:
- Motion Photos – These can be played multiple times and include movement and sound. They are stored in the chat like regular photos or videos.
- View Once – Media that disappears after being opened once. No replays, no saves.
Both are useful, but they serve different purposes. Motion Photos are for capturing lively memories, while View Once is for sending temporary media.
How to Try the Motion Photos Feature Early
If you want to try the feature before the official release:
- Join the WhatsApp Beta Program on Google Play (if slots are available).
- Update to the latest beta version.
- Check your gallery for Motion Photos and try sending one in a chat.
- Look for the Motion Photo icon when selecting the file.
Remember, since it is still in testing, not all beta users will see the option immediately.
Tips for Using Motion Photos on WhatsApp
- Capture in Bright Light – Movement is clearer when lighting is good.
- Keep the Phone Steady – Even though it’s motion, a stable shot looks better.
- Be Mindful of Background Noise – Since audio is recorded, avoid unwanted sounds.
- Use for Special Moments – Birthdays, celebrations, nature scenes, or anything where movement adds value.
The Future of WhatsApp Photo Sharing
With features like Motion Photos, Username Sharing, and improved privacy controls, WhatsApp is making media sharing more dynamic and safer at the same time. The app is no longer just about sending messages — it is becoming a more interactive way to share life’s moments.
Motion Photos will likely roll out to all Android users after the testing phase, and if it becomes popular, WhatsApp may also bring it to iOS in a similar way.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s new Motion Photos feature is an exciting addition that will make photo sharing feel more alive and memorable. It combines the charm of a photo with the storytelling of a short video, all within the app’s secure chat system.
While we wait for the public release, it’s a good idea to update your WhatsApp regularly and keep an eye on upcoming beta features. Whether it’s for capturing a child’s laughter, the waves at a beach, or the energy of a party, Motion Photos will help keep those moments fresh and vibrant.
In short, WhatsApp is moving towards making your conversations not just about words and static images, but about reliving the moment exactly how it happened — with sight, sound, and movement.
