WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows you to easily communicate with friends, family, co-workers, and more through text, voice notes, images, documents, and video calls. WhatsApp also has a feature that allows you to create and send short video messages to your contacts. In this article, we’ll look at how to make and send videos using WhatsApp.
Creating a Video in WhatsApp
WhatsApp has a built-in camera feature that lets you capture photos and videos directly in the app. Here are the steps to create a video on WhatsApp:
1. Open a Chat
Open the WhatsApp app and select the chat where you want to send the video. This can be an individual or group chat.
2. Tap the Camera Icon
At the bottom of the chat window, tap the camera icon next to the text box.
3. Switch to Video Mode
By default, the camera will open in photo mode. Tap the circular icon to switch to video mode.
4. Record Your Video
Press and hold the round capture button to start recording. You’ll see a timer showing the length of the video.
5. Release to Stop Recording
Once you’ve finished recording, release the capture button. This will stop the recording and preview the video you just made.
6. Review and Retake if Needed
Watch the video preview and make sure you’re happy with the result. If you want to redo it, tap the Retake button.
7. Add Filters or Effects
WhatsApp allows you to add filters and effects to your videos. Tap the filter icon and choose from options like black and white, vintage, and more.
8. Crop the Length
If you want to trim the start or end of the video, use the crop icon and drag the sliders to adjust the length.
9. Send the Video
Once you’re ready, tap the send arrow to share the video to your selected chat. The video will be compressed before sending.
Video Specifications in WhatsApp
WhatsApp has the following constraints when creating and sending videos:
- Maximum length of 30 seconds
- File size limited to 16MB
- Aspect ratio fixed at 4:3 or 1:1
- No sound for videos less than 3 seconds
- Lower quality resolution to minimize file size
Keep these specs in mind when making your video. Shorter videos tend to have better quality and faster sending time.
Tips for Creating Great WhatsApp Videos
Here are some tips to make compelling WhatsApp videos that your friends and family will love:
Keep it Short and Simple
With the 30 second limit, brevity is key. Focus on one clear subject and don’t overload the video.
Use the Rear Camera
The higher megapixel rear camera will produce better image quality. Switch cameras by tapping the icon in the top corner.
Hold Steady
Avoid shaky footage by bracing your hands against a wall or propping your elbows on a table while recording. Consider using a tripod or stabilizer.
Check the Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for good video quality. Make sure you’re not shooting into bright sunlight or complete darkness. Position light sources carefully.
Frame Shots Thoughtfully
Pay attention to your composition when framing shots. Follow the rule of thirds for balanced framing. Get close enough to subjects.
Use Minimal Camera Movement
Panning, tilting, and zooming the camera can cause distracting motion. Try to keep the camera still while recording.
Capture Landscape Orientation
Shoot horizontally to match the wider 16:9 aspect ratio. Vertical videos don’t utilize the full screen when played back.
Enhance with Effects
WhatsApp’s effects like black and white, vintage, and vignette can elevate your video when used properly. Don’t overdo it.
Review Before Sending
Always preview your video and retake if needed. Checking for issues like lighting, framing, length, and effects will prevent mistakes.
Can I Create Longer Videos?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not allow videos longer than 30 seconds to be shot directly in the app. However, there are a couple of workarounds:
1. Shoot Video Externally
Use your phone’s regular camera or video app to record longer videos. You can then import these into WhatsApp by attaching as a file when messaging.
2. Use Third-Party Apps
Some apps like Video Slice and Video Splitter allow combining multiple short videos into one long video file. Record 30 second clips in WhatsApp then use the app to merge them before sending.
3. Share via Other Apps
Instead of sending long videos through WhatsApp, upload them to apps like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google Drive, etc. Then share the link in WhatsApp so your contacts can view them.
While WhatsApp limits videos shot in-app, you still have options to share longer videos up to the 16MB file size limit. Get creative with multi-part videos, third-party apps, and external sharing links.
Can I Edit Videos in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has basic editing options for videos shot in the app, but no advanced editing capabilities. The built-in tools include:
- Adding filters like black and white, vintage, etc.
- Cropping the start and end points
- Drawing or adding text annotations
However, you cannot splice multiple clips together, overlay custom graphics and titles, alter the speed, add licensed music, adjust color levels, or apply other complex edits.
To perform advanced video editing, you will need to use third party editing apps on your device:
App | Platform | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Adobe Premiere Rush | iOS, Android | Splicing clips, color correction, graphics, titles, audio mixing |
VideoShow | Android | Trim, merge, text, effects, elements, music |
VivaVideo | iOS, Android | Themes, overlays, transitions, effects, text, stickers |
Quik | iOS, Android | Automated edits, effects, transitions, music |
FilmoraGo | iOS, Android | Filters, overlays, titles, transitions, chroma key |
Shoot your clips in the WhatsApp camera, then export them to edit in a third party app. When finished, re-import them to WhatsApp as attachments to send. This gives you advanced editing capabilities.
Can I Save WhatsApp Videos to My Phone?
Yes, you can save videos shot using the WhatsApp camera to your phone’s local storage:
On Android:
- After shooting your video, tap the preview thumbnail in the bottom left.
- Tap the menu button (3 vertical dots) at the top right.
- Select “Save video” to save the file in your phone’s gallery.
On iPhone:
- In the preview screen after taking your video, tap and hold the preview.
- Select “Save Video” from the pop-up menu.
- The video file will be saved to your camera roll.
Saving WhatsApp videos to your local device allows you to view them in your main gallery, share via other apps, make backups, or transfer them to external storage.
Sharing and Privacy Options
When sending videos in WhatsApp chats, you have some options to control sharing and privacy:
- View once – Send a video that expires after being viewed one time by the recipient.
- Share contact – Choose whether to show or hide your phone number with recipients.
- Private reply – Allow recipients to privately reply to your message.
- Group privacy – In group chats, choose who can view and reply to your video.
- Block contacts – Prevent specific contacts from messaging you or seeing updates.
- Report messages – Flag inappropriate videos or abuse of the platform.
Set your preferences appropriately based on your specific situation and the recipients you are messaging with. WhatsApp gives you control to share videos privately or publicly.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Video Issues
Here are some common troubleshooting tips for fixing problems with WhatsApp videos:
Can’t Attach Video File
- Check the file type and size limit (must be under 16MB).
- Restart the app and try again.
- Clear cache and data for the app.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
- Free up storage space on your phone.
Video Not Sending
- Check your internet connection.
- Connect to WiFi for larger videos.
- Compress video file to reduce size.
- Update WhatsApp.
- Clear WhatsApp data and cache.
Video Looks Pixelated
- Retake video using optimal lighting and steadier camera work.
- Shoot in 720p or 1080p resolution if available.
- Clean your camera lens which might be smudged.
- Supply better source video for imports.
Video Has No Sound
- Make sure phone volume is up.
- Check that the video wasn’t muted during recording.
- For short videos, sound is automatically disabled.
- Try recording again with sound enabled.
If issues persist, contact WhatsApp support for further help troubleshooting video problems.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides an easy way to capture and share short videos right within your chats. With its built-in camera, you can record videos up to 30 seconds and apply filters, effects, annotations, and trims. While advanced editing isn’t supported in-app, you can export videos to edit externally before re-importing them to send. Remember to adjust privacy settings, save videos locally if desired, and troubleshoot any quality or sending issues. With its convenience and broad user base, WhatsApp is a great option for quickly sending engaging short videos to keep in touch with friends and family.