WhatsApp video uploads could soon eat up less data

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The beta versions of WhatsApp always give an exciting glimpse into the future, and they pop up with far greater frequency than pretty much any other app. Some changes are merely aesthetic, while others are useful, timesaving or just, cool.

In the latest beta of the Android edition of WhatsApp, we can see a test underway that will be welcomed by anyone who habitually shares videos via the chat platform. If you've ever been frustrated by a slow experience of uploading video when you're in an area with a poor data connection, there's some great news.

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In its latest test, WhatsApp is giving users the ability to choose the quality settings for uploaded videos. This means that it is possible to strike a balance between file size and video quality according to your needs and the situation you find yourself in.

High quality vs high speed

If you have a slow data connection, WhatsApp may try to help out, and drop the quality. Thankfully, you have the option to intervene, and use the higher quality setting if you are happy to take the time and data hit.

Conversely, WhatsApp uploading videos at high quality may mean that your monthly data allowance takes too much of a hit. As ever, choice is power.

The same feature is expected to land in the iOS version of the app as well, but it's not clear quite when it might roll out to the main version WhatsApp rather than just the betas.

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Via WABetaInfo

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Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

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