WhatsApp Android beta's latest feature lets you stream shared video, as it is downloading

Nimish SawantNov 24, 2016 10:13:50 IST

WhatsApp is releasing updates to its app at a fast rate to keep up with the changing landscape of messaging apps. After having recently launched the much awaited, WhatsApp video calling feature, there is another feature that has been spotted on its beta app.

Streaming of shared videos, as they are downloading.

The video shows buffering status as well as the download status on the video.

Now, when you receive any video from friends or the multiple groups, you only get a thumbnail and an option to download the video. If you haven't set media to auto-download, that is. It is only after the video is completely downloaded that you can watch it. Many times I realise after downloading a video, that it wasn't worth my time and head to the gallery section to delete it. But now I can take that decision much quicker.

According to the latest feature on WhatsApp beta app (I tested it on v2.16.367), you can now stream the shared video (on Wi-fi or cellular connection), while it is downloading in the background. This is an interesting feature, as you can decide soon whether you want to go ahead and download the whole video or not.

Unlike the regular WhatsApp app, where you see a Download button, the beta app will have a Play icon atop the video. Hitting play will start the download in the background, and start playing the video inside WhatsApp. You can see the video buffering as you play it, just like with YouTube.

This feature is currently only available on the WhatsApp beta build on Android. It will also work only when you receive a video from a WhatsApp beta tester. If you receive a video from a regular WhatsApp user, you will still see the Download button instead of Play button overlaid on the video.

There are no indications when the feature will roll out to regular WhatsApp users.