What are WhatsApp Live Photos?
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WhatsApp is testing a long-awaited feature for iOS users: the ability to send Apple’s Live Photos in their original format. First introduced by Apple in 2015, Live Photos capture a still image paired with a short video and audio clip, creating a moving memory instead of a static shot. Until now, sharing these moments on WhatsApp meant converting them into GIFs, often losing sound and image quality in the process.
A cross-platform bridge between iOS and Android
With the new update, Live Photos can be sent natively through WhatsApp, keeping the smooth movement and audio intact. Importantly, the feature is not limited to iOS-to-iOS communication. For the first time, Android users will also be able to receive Apple’s Live Photos, while iOS users can view Android’s equivalent format, Motion Photos. This creates a cross-platform bridge that allows richer visual communication, regardless of device.
How Egyptian users benefit
For Egyptian users, where WhatsApp has become a daily communication tool for both personal and professional interactions, this feature makes sharing moments more authentic. Families and friends will be able to exchange animated memories seamlessly without relying on third-party apps or low-quality workarounds.
A new opportunity for Egyptian marketers
For Egyptian marketers, the implications are more strategic. WhatsApp is already one of the most powerful customer engagement tools in Egypt, used for everything from retail promotions to customer support. With Live Photos, brands can showcase products, events, or behind-the-scenes content in a way that feels personal and immersive—somewhere between a static image and a video.
A fashion brand could highlight the flow of fabric in motion, a restaurant could capture the steam rising from a dish, or a real estate developer could share a quick glimpse of a property walkthrough—all within a WhatsApp chat.
Visual updates signal a broader shift
The timing also matters. WhatsApp is working on visual updates to its interface, adopting Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design in line with iOS 26. A modernized look combined with richer media features positions WhatsApp as more than a messaging tool; it is evolving into a platform for brand storytelling and customer connection.
What comes next
While the Live Photos feature is still in beta and available to a limited set of users, its gradual rollout will likely accelerate adoption once it reaches Egypt. For marketers, this is a signal to start experimenting with short, dynamic formats that feel natural in chat environments—bridging the gap between still photos and full-length video content.