WhatsApp is rolling out 2x video playback for status updates
WhatsApp is introducing a feature that lets users view status updates at double speed on iOS. They can view a status update at double speed by pressing and holding the right side of the screen. Users can restore the normal speed as soon as they lift their finger.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | 2x video playback for status updates |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.36.10.70 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | shw_9876 and Muhammad Hammad, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp introduces a new hub to create and manage events! |
WhatsApp rolled out longer music clips for status updates
In the post about the WhatsApp for iOS 26.35.72 update, we announced longer music clips for status updates. With this feature, users can choose how long the music plays in their status, up to a maximum of 30 seconds. Before this update, the music clip was always fixed at 15 seconds. Users couldn't even change the duration. The new update lets users select the exact length they want, making it easier to control how their status looks and sounds.
WhatsApp is now rolling out 2x playback for status videos
Longer music clips make status updates more enjoyable to view, but not everyone has the time to view them all at normal speed. Finally, WhatsApp is giving users a faster way to get through them. We discovered the new feature with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.36.10.70 update, which is available on TestFlight. With this update, WhatsApp is rolling out 2x video playback for status updates. This feature lets users view any status at double speed with a single gesture. The gesture is simple and familiar, and it works directly within the status interface without configuring any settings.
How to activate 2x speed on a status update
To view a status at double speed, users need to view the update and press and hold the right side of the screen. WhatsApp immediately switches to 2x playback, and the content moves twice as fast until the user lifts their finger. This allows users to view the same content in half the time. This feature also saves time for users who view many status updates throughout the day.
The speed returns to normal as soon as users release the screen
The 2x speed is not a permanent toggle. WhatsApp only plays the update at double speed while the user keeps their finger pressed on the right side of the screen. When they lift their finger, the playback goes back to normal speed. This means that users are always in control of how fast the status plays. They can switch between normal and double speed as many times as they want during the same status update. Users do not need to adjust any settings manually since the gesture automatically handles the speed.
Why this gesture feels familiar
People who use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will recognize this new gesture immediately. These platforms use the same gesture to speed up video playback. As a result, many users already know how to speed up a video. WhatsApp is bringing this experience to status updates, so users who already know the gesture on other apps do not need to learn anything new. On WhatsApp, the gesture works exactly how users expect it to.
Why 2x speed is especially useful after the music clip update
In the past, WhatsApp limited status videos with music clips to 15 seconds. A 15-second status does not take long to view, so this feature was less necessary. With the new 30-second limit for music clips, some status updates are now twice as long as they used to be. Users who open many status updates may notice that viewing status updates takes longer now. The new 2x speed option addresses this issue. Users can get through longer status updates in the same time it used to take to view shorter videos. Note that this feature works with any video shared as a status update, not only those that include a music clip.
WhatsApp is rolling out 2x video playback to iOS beta testers
This feature is available to some beta testers who install the latest update from TestFlight. Note that it is still not available to everyone. Since WhatsApp is rolling out this update, it may take a while before everyone can try it. If the gesture doesn't work yet, it will become available in a future update. WhatsApp has not announced when this feature will be available to everyone.
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