WhatsApp Motion Photos Feature: How to Send Live Photos on WhatsApp

Have you ever taken a perfect photo but felt like it missed the real vibe of the moment? That tiny laugh before the click or the movement of waves in the background? Well, WhatsApp is finally catching up with something magical – the motion photos feature.

Yes, you read that right! WhatsApp is now letting you share pictures that move. Let’s explore what this means, how it works, and how you can start using it today.

🔍 What Is the WhatsApp Motion Photos Feature?

Imagine taking a picture where you don’t just freeze the moment but actually capture a few seconds before and after the shot. That’s exactly what motion photos do.

Similar to Apple’s Live Photos, motion photos are dynamic images that include a short burst of video around the main picture. So instead of a flat, silent image, you get a glimpse into what was really happening – laughter, waves crashing, hair blowing in the wind. It’s like your photo has a heartbeat.

And the best part? You can now share them directly on WhatsApp chats if you’re using the Android beta version.

📸 How to Send Motion Photos on WhatsApp

If you’re eager to try this out, here’s how to send motion photos in WhatsApp step-by-step:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Join the WhatsApp Beta Program (Android only)

   • Open Google Play Store

   • Search for “WhatsApp”

   • Scroll down and tap on “Join the Beta”

   • Wait for the update that gives you access to beta features

2. Enable Motion Photos in Your Camera Settings

   • Open your phone’s camera app

   • Look for the Motion Photo or Live Photo toggle

   • Turn it ON before taking a photo

3. Take a Motion Photo

   • Snap a picture like you normally would. Now, it records a short video before and after the click

4. Open WhatsApp and Send

   • Choose a chat

   • Tap the paperclip or camera icon

   • Select the motion photo from your gallery

   • Send it like any other image!

Once sent, your contact will receive a moving photo – just like a tiny video memory. 🎞️

🆕 How Motion Photos Are Different from Regular Pictures

Let’s break it down:

💡 Pro Tip: Use motion photos for moments like blowing candles, hugging a friend, waves on vacation, or kids playing. These are where still images fall short but motion makes the memory truly alive.

🤔 How to Activate Motion Photos?

If your phone supports it (most modern Androids do), here’s how you activate this setting:

• Open the Camera App

• Tap the motion icon (usually looks like a swirl or a small play symbol)

• Make sure it’s ON before taking pictures

That’s it! From now on, your photos will be “live” and ready for WhatsApp sharing.

🔐 How Do I Send a Disappearing Photo on WhatsApp?

While motion photos bring life to your images, disappearing photos offer privacy. Here’s a quick reminder on how to send one-time view photos:

How to Send a Disappearing Photo:

1. Open a WhatsApp chat

2. Tap the attachment (paperclip) or camera

3. Choose or take a photo

4. Tap the “1” icon in the text box

5. Hit Send

Now, the recipient can only view the image once. It won’t be saved in their gallery or accessible later.

💾 Is It Possible to Save One-Time Photos in WhatsApp?

The short answer is: No, not officially.

One-time photos are designed to be private and non-recoverable. They disappear after a single view, and WhatsApp doesn’t let you screenshot or save them easily.

⚠️ Important Note: While there are third-party apps and workarounds, using them may violate privacy policies or WhatsApp terms. It’s better to respect the sender’s intent.

🌟 Why Motion Photos Matter

Let’s face it — not every picture tells the whole story.

Maybe your toddler was giggling before the smile, or the sunset had moving clouds that a still photo just didn’t capture. Motion photos bring those little moments into focus.

They add:

• Emotion

• Movement

• Context

• Deeper storytelling

It’s like sending a piece of a moment instead of just an image.

⚙️ How Motion Photos Work on WhatsApp (Behind the Scenes)

When you take a motion photo:

• The camera app stores a few seconds of video + audio around your photo.

• WhatsApp reads this file (like a mini clip) and converts it into a format viewable inside the app.

• When sent, the motion is preserved – your contact can press and hold to view the movement.

This tech is already familiar to Apple users through Live Photos and Google Pixel users through Motion Mode, but it’s a new and exciting chapter for WhatsApp Android.

🧪 Who Can Use WhatsApp Motion Photos Feature Right Now?

Right now, this feature is only rolling out to:

• WhatsApp Android Beta Users

• Phones with motion photo capability (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

How to Know If You Have It:

• Take a photo using motion on your phone

• Try to send it via WhatsApp

• If supported, it will preview as a motion-enabled image

If it’s not working yet, you may need to wait for the full rollout.

🗓️ When Will Motion Photos Be Available to Everyone?

As of now:

• It’s in beta testing

• Full release date not announced yet

• Likely to roll out in stages over the next few months

Stay updated by:

• Joining WhatsApp Channels

• Following WhatsApp Beta Community Forums

• Keeping your app updated regularly

📲 Alternative Ways to Share Motion Photos (Before WhatsApp Feature)

Before this update, motion photos were tricky to share:

• iPhone users used Airdrop or iMessage for Live Photos

• Android users relied on Google Photos, Bluetooth, or Quick Share

But these methods had limitations — like size, compatibility, or speed.

Now, WhatsApp aims to make sharing as simple as sending a regular photo.

🧠 Quick FAQs – WhatsApp Motion Photos Feature

❓How to send motion photos on WhatsApp?

Join the Android beta, activate motion in your camera, take a motion photo, and send it through WhatsApp like any other image.

❓How do I send a disappearing photo on WhatsApp?

Tap the “1” icon when sending a photo to make it one-time view only.

❓How to activate motion photos?

Turn on the motion photo feature in your phone’s camera app before snapping a picture.

❓Is it possible to save one-time photos in WhatsApp?

Not officially. One-time photos disappear after one view and are designed to protect privacy.

🧭 Final Thoughts: A Feature That Brings Memories to Life

The WhatsApp motion photos feature is more than just a tech update — it’s a way to make your memories feel alive again. It brings energy, emotion, and a heartbeat to your chats.

If you’re someone who values those little unsaid moments around a photo, this feature is a gift.

So, whether you’re capturing your baby’s first steps, a family vacation, or just a silly dance — let it move. Let it breathe. Let it live.

Stay tuned for the full release, and don’t forget to keep your app updated to catch all the latest WhatsApp features.

Farrukh Nawaz

Farrukh Nawaz, tech guru & gaming aficionado. Your go-to for mobile news, gaming updates & expert blogging tips.