WhatsApp rolls out playback speeds for voice messages

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update to beta users on Android. This update brings different playback speeds for voice messages on WhatsApp. It’s available on the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.21.9.4 for Android but the previous version 2.21.9.3 also supports it.

WhatsApp beta users on Android will be able to use this new feature. Interested WhatsApp users can register for the beta program through this link to try out unreleased features. There’s a WhatsApp beta programme for iOS users as well. WhatsApp was spotted testing different playback speeds for voice messages last month, WABetaInfo reported. It has now added three different playback speeds for voice messages and in an updated UI.

WhatsApp beta users who are part of the test will see the playback speed symbol in a voice message. There are three playback speeds of 1x, 1.5x and 2x. The voice message will play normally but once you tap on the icon the speed will change. So the first tap will be to increase the speed by 1x, the second one by 1.5x and the third one by 2x. There’s no option for a slower playback speed for voice messages.

As mentioned above, this feature is available only to WhatsApp beta users, and on Android. WhatsApp hasn’t rolled this out for beta users on iOS. There’s no word on when it will be available to all WhatsApp users but seeing how it’s rolled out for public beta users it shouldn’t take long.