WhatsApp Beta Testing New Gallery Shortcut To Make Image and Video Sharing Easier

Highlights

  • WhatsApp to make access to the gallery for sharing images and videos easier.
  • The feature is currently in beta and may take time before a wider rollout.
  • Available for testing in WhatsApp for Android v2.24.23.11 (beta).
WhatsApp testing new Gallery shortcut for easy image and video sharing. (Photo by Amanz on Unsplash)

WhatsApp is a popular medium for many users to share images and videos while staying connected with friends, family and businesses. It appears WhatsApp is trying to make sharing images and videos a lot more quicker and easier.

In the current format, capturing a photo or video within WhatsApp is quick but sending media from your gallery takes a few extra steps. However, a new beta version of WhatsApp for Android suggests that the app is developing a simpler method is on the way.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp for Android v2.24.23.11 (beta) has added a shortcut in the chat bar that lets users open their phone’s gallery instantly.

Users now have to tap the camera icon and then choose the gallery option to send an image or video from the gallery.

Another method is to access the gallery via the attachment (paperclip) icon, which offers options like Camera, Location, Contact, Document, Audio and more.

Screenshot of new WhatsApp shortcut for easy image and video sharing. (Screenshot credit – WABetaInfo)

With this new shortcut being tested in Beta, WABetaInfo notes that long-pressing the icon still brings up the video note feature, so that functionality remains unchanged. It makes sending media from your gallery could be quicker and easier.

While this gallery shortcut will benefit users who frequently share media from their phone’s gallery, it may inconvenience those who prefer quickly accessing their camera.

To access the camera, they will have to tap the paperclip icon and select Camera from the menu.

However, as per the Android Police report, WhatsApp may take time before rolling it out widely. It appears that the shortcut is being tested in beta to gather user feedback, which is typical in app development.

While it’s not available to all beta testers yet, anyone interested can try out the feature by downloading version 2.24.23.11 from APKMirror.

FAQs

Q1. What new shortcut is WhatsApp testing for easier media sharing?

Answer. A new beta version of WhatsApp for Android suggests that the app is developing a simpler method to instantly open their phone’s gallery with a shortcut in the chat bar.

Q2. How do users currently access the gallery on WhatsApp?

Answer. Users now have to tap the camera icon and then choose the gallery option or access the gallery via the attachment (paperclip) icon, which offers options like Camera, Location, Contact, Document, Audio and more.

Q3. When is the new media-sharing shortcut coming on WhatsApp?

Answer.  WhatsApp may take time before rolling out the new media-sharing shortcut widely. It appears that the shortcut is being tested in beta to gather user feedback, which is typical in app development. While it’s not available to all beta testers yet, anyone interested can try out the feature by downloading version 2.24.23.11 from APKMirror.

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