A WhatsApp video message, which WhatsApp calls a video note, is a short video of up to 60 seconds that you record and send straight from the chat. Press and hold the record button next to the message box, film your clip, and let go to send. Nobody else can forward your video notes.
Video notes are the video version of a voice message. Instead of typing or recording audio, you film a quick clip, usually of yourself, and it drops straight into the chat. They're great for a quick hello, showing someone where you are, or explaining something much faster than you could ever type it out.
How to send a video message on WhatsApp
- Open the chat you want to send it to.
- Press and hold the record button next to the text box. If it shows a microphone, tap it once to switch to video first. A short countdown starts the recording.
- Record your message. You can switch between the front and back camera before or during recording.
- Let go to send it automatically.
Prefer not to hold your finger down? Open the camera from the chat, swipe to the Video note tab, record, then send. If your note is shorter than 60 seconds, you'll need to tap stop before you can send it.
The key facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long can it be? | Up to 60 seconds |
| Can people forward it? | No. Only you can forward your own video notes |
| How does it appear? | As a muted preview that loops three times, then plays with sound when tapped |
| Can I tell if it was watched? | Yes. Press and hold the sent note to check whether it's been played |
| Can I delete it? | Yes, for yourself or, within a limited time, for everyone |
Why video notes feel more private
The forwarding rule is what makes video notes different from a normal video. WhatsApp says only you can forward your own video notes; nobody else can send them on to another chat. That doesn't stop someone filming their screen, so it's not a guarantee, but it does stop casual forwarding to groups. If you'd rather a clip could be shared, send it as a normal video from your gallery instead.
How to watch a video note
When a video note arrives, it shows as a silent preview that plays three times on a loop. Tap it to make it bigger and play it from the start with sound. Tap again, or scroll away, to pause, and tap once more to carry on.
Deleting a video message
- Press and hold the video note you sent.
- Tap Delete.
- Choose Delete for everyone to remove it from the whole chat, or Delete for me to remove it only from your phone.
Deleted notes are replaced with a short line saying the message was deleted, so people can see something was removed. There's a limited time to delete for everyone, so act quickly if you sent it to the wrong chat.
Video note vs video vs video call
| Option | Best for | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Video note | A quick personal message from the chat | Up to 60 seconds |
| Normal video | Sharing a clip from your gallery that others can forward | Longer clips |
| Video call | A live conversation | As long as you like |
Video notes are perfect when you want the warmth of a call without the scheduling. A thirty-second 'happy birthday' or 'here's the view' lands better than a text and doesn't need the other person to be free right then. They can watch it when it suits them, and reply with one of their own.
Tips for a better video note
- Hold your phone at eye level and face a window, so your face isn't in shadow.
- Say the point in the first few seconds. People often watch the silent preview first.
- Switch to the back camera to show something rather than yourself.
- Keep it under a minute. If you need longer, a video call or a normal video works better.
- Check where you're filming. A video note shows everything behind you.
Because the preview plays silently, a clear face and a simple gesture, like a wave or holding up the thing you're talking about, helps the other person know what it's about before they tap.
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Ideas for using video notes
- Showing a tradesperson or a friend exactly what's wrong with something at home.
- A quick thank you to a client or colleague.
- Checking in with family abroad without arranging a call.
- Walking someone through where to find you at a busy event.
If you use WhatsApp for business, video notes are a friendly way to answer a customer's question. Just keep them short and to the point. For more on what WhatsApp is good for, see what WhatsApp is used for.
Video note not working?
- Update WhatsApp. Older versions may not show the video note option.
- Allow WhatsApp to use your camera and microphone in your phone settings.
- If the note won't send, check your connection. My guide to whether WhatsApp needs Wi-Fi explains what it needs.
My verdict
Video notes are WhatsApp's quickest way to send a personal video: hold the camera icon, talk for up to a minute, let go. They can't be forwarded by anyone else, they loop silently until opened, and you can check whether they've been played. Use them when a voice note isn't quite enough and a call would be too much, which is more often than you'd think.
Frequently asked questions
How do I send a video message on WhatsApp?
In a chat, press and hold the video record button next to the text box, record, and let go to send.
How long can a WhatsApp video note be?
Up to 60 seconds.
Can someone forward my WhatsApp video note?
No. WhatsApp says only you can forward your own video notes.
Can I delete a video note on WhatsApp?
Yes. Press and hold it, tap Delete and choose Delete for everyone or Delete for me.
