WhatsApp is bringing longer music clips to status updates on both Android and iOS. The update allows users to choose exactly how long the music plays, up to 30 seconds. The clip duration picker appears directly in the music editor, making it easier for users to adjust the length before sharing the status.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Longer music clips for status updates |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.36.1 and WhatsApp for iOS 26.35.72 are compatible updates. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some users, and it is rolling out to more accounts over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing guest calls for people without an account! |
WhatsApp introduced music for status updates
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.2.5 update, we announced that a feature to add music to status updates. This feature allows users to choose a song from the Meta music catalog to include in the status update. WhatsApp plays the selected track alongside the photo for anyone who views the update. At the time, the music clip had a fixed duration of 15 seconds. Users could choose which part of the song to use, but the length was always the same.
WhatsApp is now rolling out longer music clips on Android and iOS
WhatsApp is now giving users more control over how long the music plays in their status updates. With the latest updates, WhatsApp is no longer making the 15-second limit the only option available. After installing the latest updates on Android and iOS, users can now choose how many seconds of music they want to include in their status update. Specifically, WhatsApp is introducing a new picker that lets users choose how long the music plays in their status update, up to a maximum of 30 seconds.
How to choose the music clip duration
After selecting a song from the music catalog, users can now see a clip duration picker in the music editor. The picker shows multiple options, up to 30 seconds. In this screen, users can scroll through them to select how many seconds of the song they want to include in the status. Although the maximum duration is 30 seconds, users can also choose a shorter clip if they prefer. Once they choose its duration, WhatsApp adds the music to the status update.
The feature works for both photo status updates and music-only updates
WhatsApp allows users to choose the music duration in two different situations. The first is when users add music to a photo they are sharing as a status update. In this case, WhatsApp plays the music alongside the photo for the chosen duration. The second is when users share music directly as a status update without attaching a photo. This is useful when they want to share the music clip and nothing more. Both support durations of up to 30 seconds.
Why letting users choose the duration matters
Fifteen seconds is not always enough. Some songs take longer to get to the part that's worth sharing. Some intros are longer, and users may simply want to share more of a track they love. A maximum of 30 seconds allows users to share the part of the song they care about, not just whatever happens to fit in 15 seconds. At the same time, 30 seconds is short enough to keep the status from feeling like a full song playback. As a result, WhatsApp is balancing flexibility and simplicity.
WhatsApp is rolling out longer music clips to Android and iOS users
The feature that lets users choose longer music clips is available to some users who install the latest updates from Google Play and App Store. However, this feature is not available to everyone. WhatsApp is still gradually rolling out to specific users. Users should keep the app up to date to get the feature as soon as WhatsApp enables it on their account.
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