A New Layer of Life for Your Photos
WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging platform, has begun testing a feature that feels like something out of a fantasy film. Drawing comparisons to the moving portraits in Harry Potter, the new ‘Motion Photo’ option transforms still pictures into short, animated video clips.
Currently available only in the app’s beta version, the feature lets users capture a few seconds of movement before and after taking a photo. The result is similar to Apple’s Live Photo, where a static image is brought to life with motion and sound.
How ‘Motion Photo’ Works
When enabled, the feature automatically records brief snippets from just before and after the camera shutter is pressed. These moments are combined into a short video, which can include ambient sounds.
Using it is straightforward:
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Open the gallery within WhatsApp.
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Tap the Motion icon in the top-left corner.
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Watch your ordinary image turn into an animated memory.
The process removes the need for third-party applications that many users previously relied on to create GIFs or animated photos.
Limited Rollout for Beta Testers
WhatsApp has released ‘Motion Photo’ to a small group of beta testers. The company has not announced an official release date for the wider public. However, given WhatsApp’s recent track record of rapidly rolling out tested features — such as voice status updates and multi-device login — industry observers expect a full release within months.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, often tests features with limited audiences to monitor performance and collect feedback before a broader launch. Recently, the platform also began testing ads in Status and Channels, showing its intent to expand monetization alongside new creative tools. This approach helps the company refine usability, ensure compatibility across Android and iOS, and address any privacy concerns.
Adding Depth to Conversations
The new feature is expected to make messaging more expressive. Animated snippets can capture fleeting smiles, candid reactions, or environmental details that static images miss. This could add emotional depth to everyday exchanges — from sending a child’s first steps to sharing the atmosphere at a live event.
For businesses using WhatsApp for customer engagement, ‘Motion Photo’ could enhance product showcases, making marketing content more dynamic without requiring full-scale video production.
Competing in the Messaging Landscape
WhatsApp’s move follows a growing trend among social media and messaging platforms to merge the convenience of still photography with the vibrancy of video. Apple’s Live Photo and Google’s Motion Photo have been popular among smartphone users for years. By integrating a similar capability directly into WhatsApp, the company aims to keep users within its ecosystem rather than relying on phone-native features or external apps.
With over two billion monthly active users, WhatsApp’s adoption of such multimedia tools has a significant impact on how people communicate globally. Short-form visual content continues to dominate online interaction, and this feature aligns with that shift.
Looking Ahead
While no launch date is confirmed, the anticipation among users is strong. Tech analysts suggest that WhatsApp could announce availability for all users in a future update cycle, possibly alongside other camera and media-sharing enhancements.
Until then, the beta testers’ experience will determine how polished and user-friendly the final version becomes. If successful, ‘Motion Photo’ could join WhatsApp’s roster of widely used features, further cementing its role as a central hub for personal and professional communication.
By removing the dependency on third-party applications, WhatsApp is offering a more integrated and secure way to create and share animated memories — making chats not just interactive, but alive.
