WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.29: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.22.29.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to share motion photos in chats, groups, and channels, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.12 update, we announced that a feature to share motion photos was under development. This feature would allow users to send photos that include short bursts of movement and sound, similar to the Live Photos feature available on iOS. The implementation aims to enhance the media-sharing experience by enabling users to share more immersive memories that go beyond static images. It seems that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers have started seeing signs of the new functionality appear in their app. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.29 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to share motion photos in chats, groups, and channels!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, motion photos are now supported for some beta testers, offering a new way to send media with added movement and audio. If the feature is available after installing the latest update, a message will appear in the conversation to notify users of its availability. This provides immediate feedback and ensures that users are aware of the new sharing capabilities. Supporting motion photos in WhatsApp is also a convenient improvement, as users don't need third-party apps to share motion-based content.

A variety of Android devices already offer this capability, including Samsung Galaxy smartphones, where it is called Motion Photo, and Google Pixel devices, which offer it under the name Top Shot or Motion Photos. These devices automatically capture a few seconds before and after the shutter is pressed, creating a short video clip that's attached to the still image. On Pixel Pro models, users who wish to use Top Shot may need to temporarily disable the 50 MP high‑resolution mode, as that setting can interfere with activating Top Shot functionality. Disabling this option allows Top Shot to be enabled properly, as it may block automatic motion capture features.

As WhatsApp explains, motion photos include a recording of the moments before and after the picture was taken. This adds a more dynamic and emotional touch to what would otherwise be a single frame. In most cases, the recording also includes audio, which adds another sensory layer to the overall experience and helps capture the true atmosphere of the moment. This combination of movement and sound allows users to relive memories more vividly, preserving the context and emotion behind each shot.

When selecting a motion photo from the gallery, users can choice to send it in dynamic mode, preserving the visual and auditory motion of the original clip. This ensures the recipient experiences the memory just as it was captured. However, if the sender prefers not to share the motion version, they can convert it into a static photo directly from the drawing editor. This offers more control for users who may find that sharing a motion photo is unnecessary or not suitable for every context.

Once a motion photo has been sent, it will display a small motion icon in the top-left corner of the thumbnail. This helps users identify at a glance that the image contains movement and sound, distinguishing it from standard static images in the chat and making it easier to revisit dynamic memories later. This also helps users avoid confusion when scrolling through media, ensuring they recognize which photos include motion content before tapping to view them.

A feature to share motion photos in chats, groups, and channels 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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