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WhatsApp HD video support starts rolling out to everyone

By Rajiv Menon
1 min read
WhatsApp Video Messaging Header scaled
WhatsApp Video Messaging Header scaled
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Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg teased last month the imminent arrival of one of WhatsApp’s most requested features, the ability to share HD videos. Although some Android and iOS users got the feature last month, the global rollout has only just begun.

Today, WhatsApp officially confirmed that it had started to roll out HD video support on its messaging app. With this addition, WhatsApp users can finally send both photos and videos in high-definition format, although the feature needs some refinement.

For example, no toggle would allow you to set WhatsApp to send all pictures and videos you want to share in HD format by default. You have to select this option every time you share a media file with one of your contacts, which is a bit annoying, but it’s better than not having the feature at all.

If you’ve been sharing videos until now, you’ll notice that the resolution has been upgraded from 476 x 848 to 718 x 1280 pixels. Yes, you still can’t share videos in their original resolution, which more often than not is higher than 720p. Still, this is a considerable upgrade over the previous quality, especially since the size of an HD video is almost doubled.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is currently testing multi-account support, but we won’t know when it drops until it’s already here. However, if you’re running a beta version of the app, you’re probably already using it on your Android phone.

Questions & Answers

Q.

When did the global rollout of HD video support for WhatsApp begin?

A.

The global rollout of HD video support for WhatsApp has only just begun. Some Android and iOS users received the feature last month, but the company officially confirmed the wider launch today.

Q.

Will users be able to set HD video as the default sending option?

A.

No, there is no toggle to set HD as the default. Users must select the HD option every time they share a media file, which the article notes can be a bit annoying.

Q.

What is the new resolution for HD videos sent via WhatsApp?

A.

The new resolution for HD videos has been upgraded to 718 x 1280 pixels. This is a considerable upgrade from the previous resolution of 476 x 848 pixels, though it's not the original resolution.

Q.

What other new feature is WhatsApp currently testing?

A.

WhatsApp is currently testing multi-account support for its messaging app. Users running a beta version of the app, particularly on Android, may already be using this new feature.

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