Jump onto the beta channel to test WhatsApp’s dedicated video mode

WhatsApp beta users get to enjoy new features as and when they are put to the test. Recently, the platform made the Companion mode available to select beta users and has been testing a few features, such as the ability to send messages to yourself, call links, and more. Well, there is another feature that is now available to test out on the beta channel.

As spotted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a new dedicated video mode. This feature was found on the latest WhatsApp beta app and will make recording and sharing videos easier. Currently, the camera interface shows you a shutter button in the bottom center, with the Gallery button and the button to switch the front and back cameras on either side of it. There is a flash button at the top.

However, in order to take a video, there isn’t a dedicated video mode, and you need to long-press the shutter button to activate the video mode. This is quite frustrating at times because you need to keep pressing the shutter button to take a video. To make this process easier, WhatsApp is testing a video mode, which can be accessed with a right-swipe on the viewfinder.

A big advantage of this feature is that it will allow you to switch between the front and back cameras while recording a video, which isn’t possible in photo mode. Also, the long-press shutter button to take video will be available in photo mode as well. So, basically, you will have two options for taking videos on WhatsApp.

This new WhatsApp dedicated video mode feature is currently under testing and is available to select beta users running WhatsApp beta for Android v2.22.21.8. If you wish to try out this feature on your Samsung smartphone, you can join the beta channel.