WhatsApp is testing a new 2x playback gesture for Status videos among selected iOS beta users, making longer updates quicker to watch.
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to watch video Status updates at 2x playback speed, giving people a faster way to go through multiple updates without skipping them.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is available to some users running WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.36.10.70 through TestFlight. WhatsApp is gradually expanding access, meaning the option may not yet be available to every beta tester.
The feature uses a simple press-and-hold gesture rather than requiring users to open settings or activate a separate playback control.
To watch a Status video at twice the normal speed, users need to open the video and press and hold the right side of the screen. Playback immediately switches to 2x speed while the finger remains on the display.
Once the user releases the screen, the video automatically returns to its normal playback speed. This allows users to switch between regular and faster playback during a Status without changing any permanent settings.
The feature could be particularly useful for people who regularly watch numerous Status updates or longer videos. WhatsApp has also recently increased the maximum length of music clips that can be added to Status updates from 15 seconds to 30 seconds.
While the longer music limit gives users more flexibility when creating Status updates, it can also mean more time spent watching them. The new 2x playback option provides a quick way to move through longer content while still viewing the complete video.
The playback feature is not restricted to Status videos containing music. It can reportedly be used with any video shared through WhatsApp Status.
The press-and-hold gesture also follows a control that users may already recognize from other popular video platforms, where similar gestures can temporarily increase playback speed.
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