WhatsApp is adding yet another feature to its ever-growing messaging app on iOS. This time, it’s native support for YouTube videos, a function which was originally leaked a few weeks ago. The update is currently rolling out to only iPhone users with the version number 2.18.11. However, it’s still a server-side change, hence the new feature might not immediately show up on your phone.
The feature essentially lets you play videos from YouTube links without leaving the app at all. Therefore, whenever you receive a message which contains a YouTube link, you’ll be able to watch it by simply tapping the Play button at the center of the thumbnail. Unlike before, WhatsApp won’t redirect you to the dedicated YouTube app or a web view. In addition to that, it’s compatible with iOS’ picture-in-picture mode allowing the clip to continue playing in a tiny floating window even when you switch to a different chat.
WABetaInfo, the source which first spotted the release, also says that WhatsApp won’t be bringing the feature to Android and Windows Phone anytime soon. Apart from this, the update is fairly minor and fixes a couple of bugs. You can download it from the App Store on iOS.
Moreover, WhatsApp has a multitude of other features in the pipeline for the coming months. One of the more prominent ones among this is the ability to curb forward chains and spam. The Facebook-owned company is planning to add alerts for messages which have been shared far too many times. The feature will also enable the messaging juggernaut to fight off fake news which has been on the rise for the past few years especially in countries like India.
WhatsApp is expected to add stickers to its app as well soon. In addition to that, it was found testing a standalone iPad client months ago. Considering the source’s past record, there’s a good chance all of these features will eventually arrive officially for everyone.