WhatsApp update roundup April 2025: Video notes and voice transcripts for Channels, 3 other features added this month

WhatsApp update

WhatsApp keeps adding new features now to keep the user experience up to date and offer new features and tools to make it better. Recently, the company has rolled a host of new features that focus on expanding functionality for Channels and improving user engagement tools. The headline features include the ability to post video notes and get voice message transcripts in Channels.

Here’s a list of all the new features WhatsApp has added:

Channel admins can now record and instantly share short video notes of up to 60 seconds with their followers. This feature mirrors the video note functionality in regular chats but is now available in Channels as well. It allows creators, brands, and news outlets to post quick updates in video format without needing to upload a full video file.

WhatsApp has also added voice message transcripts in Channels. Followers can now read summaries of voice updates instead of listening to them. This is particularly helpful in situations where users can’t use audio, such as in meetings or public places, and still want to stay updated with Channel content.

A new sharing option has been introduced for channel discovery and promotion. Channel admins can now generate and distribute a unique QR code that links directly to their WhatsApp Channel. This aims to simplify the sharing process and improve channel visibility across platforms.

WhatsApp has enhanced the Channel management experience with a new Admin Events Panel. This panel gives a streamlined view of recent admin activities, including posts, edits, and moderation actions. It is designed to help admins track and manage their content more efficiently.

A broader set of emoji reactions is now available for Channel followers. Instead of being limited to just a few emojis, users can now respond to updates with a wider selection, giving more nuanced feedback to channel posts.

These updates are part of WhatsApp’s broader push to expand its Channels feature, which is positioned as a one-way broadcast tool for creators, businesses, and public figures. The new tools make it easier for admins to produce engaging content while helping users consume it more flexibly.

All the new features are available globally and will be rolling out in phases across Android and iOS platforms.