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WhatsApp Tests Motion Photos With Audio on Android Beta, Adds Username Option

The feature adds richer multimedia sharing, similar to Live Photos on iOS. WhatsApp is also developing a username option, allowing users to share unique IDs instead of phone numbers for added privacy.

WhatsApp for Android is reportedly testing a Motion Photos feature that will allow users to send images capturing both movement and sound before and after the photo is taken. This exciting upgrade, spotted in the WhatsApp beta v2.25.22.29 for Android on Google Play, is currently available to select beta testers and could roll out to more users soon.

WhatsApp Motion Photos

According to WABetaInfo, a well-known WhatsApp feature tracker, Motion Photos will let users share dynamic images with audio, enhancing the way photos are experienced on the platform. Similar to Samsung’s Motion Photos and Google Pixel’s Top Shot, this feature records a short snippet of movement and sound before and after the shutter click, turning ordinary pictures into mini video-like moments.

Steps to use:

● Leaked screenshots show that Motion Photos will be indicated by a new play button icon inside a circular ring, located in the image selection interface. This icon will be visible in the top-right corner when selecting images from the WhatsApp gallery or device gallery.

● Tap the icon to send the selected picture as a Motion Photo.

● WhatsApp describes Motion Photos as “a recording of the moments before & after a photo was taken.”

● The feature will also support audio playback within the Motion Photo file.

Device Compatibility

The Motion Photos feature will only work for sending if your Android smartphone supports it natively—Samsung and Google Pixel devices already have similar capabilities. However, WhatsApp users on unsupported devices will still be able to view Motion Photos sent by others.

Alongside Motion Photos, WhatsApp is also testing usernames for accounts. This will allow users to share a unique username instead of their phone number, improving privacy and ease of connection. With WhatsApp constantly adding new features—from HD photo sharing to screen sharing on video calls—Motion Photos could be the next big step in making the platform more interactive, engaging, and creative for Android users.