Yes, WhatsApp does have video status. Users can upload short videos up to 30 seconds long to use as their status on WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp status?
WhatsApp status is a feature that allows users to share text, photos, videos and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. It’s similar to the “stories” feature on other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
With WhatsApp status, users can share quick updates about what they’re doing, how they’re feeling, or what’s on their mind. These temporary updates are visible to all contacts in a user’s address book who also have the user’s phone number saved.
When did WhatsApp introduce video status?
WhatsApp first introduced status in February 2017, allowing users to set a text status update that would disappear after 24 hours. In November 2017, WhatsApp rolled out the ability to post photos and videos as status updates.
Initially, videos were limited to 3 seconds in length. In October 2018, WhatsApp increased the video time limit to 30 seconds to match the duration allowed on Facebook and Instagram stories.
How to post a video status on WhatsApp
Posting a video status update on WhatsApp is easy and similar to posting a photo status:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Status tab at the bottom of the app.
- Tap on the camera icon to capture a new video or tap on the gallery icon to select an existing video from your camera roll.
- Record a video up to 30 seconds long or select a video to upload.
- You can add text, emojis or drawings to the video.
- When done, tap send. The video status will now upload and be visible to your contacts for 24 hours.
WhatsApp status video size and length
WhatsApp currently allows status videos up to 30 seconds long and with a file size up to 16MB.
If you try to upload a video over 30 seconds or 16MB, it will be compressed or trimmed automatically to fit within those limits.
Video length limit
- Maximum video length: 30 seconds
File size limit
- Maximum file size: 16MB
Supported video formats for WhatsApp status
WhatsApp supports the following video formats and codecs for status videos:
| Format | Video Codec | Audio Codec |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | H.264 | AAC |
| 3GPP | H.264 | AAC |
| MOV | H.264 | AAC |
| AVI | MPEG-4 | MP3 |
| MKV | H.264 | AAC |
How to edit or delete WhatsApp status videos
If you need to make changes to a video status you’ve already shared, there are a couple options:
Edit video before it expires
- Open WhatsApp and view your status.
- Tap and hold on the video status you want to edit.
- Tap “Delete” then re-upload the edited video as a new status update.
Delete video before it expires
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Status tab.
- Swipe up on the video status to open options.
- Tap delete to remove the video status.
Once a video status expires after 24 hours, it will be deleted automatically and can no longer be edited or deleted.
Do WhatsApp video statuses expire?
Yes, WhatsApp video statuses automatically expire and delete after 24 hours, just like photo and text statuses.
This contributes to the ephemeral, temporary nature of WhatsApp status updates. It allows users to share moments without cluttering up their profiles permanently.
After 24 hours, the video status will be removed from the app and no longer visible to your contacts. However, any contacts who took a screenshot of your video status will still have a copy saved on their device.
Privacy for WhatsApp video statuses
WhatsApp provides users with some control over the privacy of video statuses:
My Contacts option
- Default setting – video statuses are visible to all contacts who have your number saved
My Contacts Except…
- Block specific contacts from seeing your status updates
Only Share With…
- Limit status updates to be viewed by specific contacts only
However, there is no password protection or appropriate audience options for status videos on WhatsApp yet.
Differences from Instagram or Facebook Stories
While WhatsApp status takes inspiration from Instagram and Facebook stories, there are some key differences:
WhatsApp Status
- Videos up to 30 seconds
- Visible to WhatsApp contacts only
- No filters or effects
- More private audience
Instagram & Facebook Stories
- Videos up to 60 seconds
- Visible to wider followers & friends
- Creative filters and effects
- Larger potential audience
Conclusion
To summarize, WhatsApp does allow users to post short videos up to 30 seconds long as status updates. These video statuses operate similarly to the photo, text, and GIF statuses available on WhatsApp.
Video statuses provide a way for users to share temporary moments and updates through the app in a visually engaging way. However, there are some limitations compared to other social media stories when it comes to audience reach and creative tools.
Overall, the WhatsApp video status feature brings the popular stories format to the popular messaging app in a private, encrypted way for connecting with your closest contacts.