WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.20.11: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.20.11.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.14.14 update, we announced that a bug-fix update that addresses an issue with loading stickers, avatars, and GIFs was available. This update restores the proper functionality of these features, allowing users to access and use them seamlessly once again. Specifically, the update resolves the underlying loading error that prevented these media elements from appearing. As a result, users could finally enjoy a fully functional and expressive chat experience without interruptions or crashes related to these popular features. It appears that WhatsApp now is committed to further refining the GIF keyboard to display more items at once, making it easier to find and share the perfect GIF quickly. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.20.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that allows them to enjoy an enhanced layout for the GIF keyboard. With the new update, WhatsApp is revising the layout of the GIF keyboard to display three columns instead of two. Previously, when users opened the GIF tab in the keyboard, they could only view two GIFs side by side in each row. This meant that browsing the collection required more scrolling and took more time to find the right animation.

With the new three-column layout, more GIFs are visible on the screen at once. The additional column means that users can view up to 50% more GIFs at a glance compared to the older layout. Since the layout has expanded from two to three columns, each row now shows one more GIF, which amounts to a 50% increase in visible content. That's especially helpful when scrolling through trending or popular GIF sections, where dozens of fast-moving options compete for attention. This change provides a better overview of available options without the need to swipe endlessly.

For users with larger screens, this is a welcome optimization that makes better use of available space. It also reduces friction when navigating trending or popular GIF sections. On devices like modern smartphones with tall displays or tablets with wider screens, the old two-column layout often left a lot of empty space unused. The new three-column grid takes advantage of this extra space, offering a more immersive browsing experience. While the functionality remains the same, the visual improvement alone can make the feature more enjoyable to use.

Beyond the aesthetic upgrade, this new layout also brings noticeable improvements in efficiency and usability. With the ability to display more GIF options simultaneously, users can scan through a wider range of choices at once, significantly speeding up the process of selecting the perfect animation. This streamlined browsing experience is particularly useful during busy chats, where quick replies can be important. In such scenarios, having the capability to instantly spot and send the ideal GIF may help users preserve the natural and engaging flow of the conversation.

A feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

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