WhatsApp may introduce a faster way to reply to video comments

WhatsApp introduced Instant Video Notes in 2023, allowing users to record 60-second video messages and send them directly to others in the chat. The instant messaging platform is now improving that feature by enabling quick replies, according to a report. The new option was reportedly spotted in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android. The development comes just days after it was revealed that it was also working on a new in-app dialer for the Calls tab.

Shortcut for quick replies to video notes

According to To provide tracker WABetaInfo, a new icon will now appear next to the instant video message feature. This would allow the user to quickly respond to the sender. The feature was announced in WhatsApp for Android beta app version 2.24.14.5.

New Shortcut for Video Notes on WhatsApp
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

Currently, users have to manually open the messages menu to reply to a specific video message. However, there is speculation that the update will make this process faster and more convenient with the new quick reply option. Instead of having to go through menus, users can simply tap the icon and reply to the sender without interrupting the flow of the conversation.

The feature tracker claims that the new quick replies for Instant Video Notes option has been rolled out to some beta testers using the latest version of WhatsApp for Android beta through the Google Play Beta program. Gadgets 360 staff were able to use the feature, with a new quick reply button now appearing next to the video message.

New in-app picker

WhatsApp is also said to be developing another feature that should improve the calling experience: a new in-app dialer. This would appear as a floating action button (FAB) in the Calls tab. With this feature, users will even be able to call numbers that are not stored on the smartphone.

It is further speculated that it will allow users to save contacts from the dialer to the smartphone’s address book, either as a new contact or as an addition to an existing contact. It may also provide the ability to check if a particular number is registered on WhatsApp.