WhatsApp is testing a new 2x playback feature for Status videos, allowing users to watch updates at double speed with a simple press-and-hold gesture. The feature is currently rolling out to selected iOS beta testers via Apple's TestFlight programme, according to WABetaInfo, and was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.36.10.70 update.
How the 2x Status Playback Feature Works
To activate the feature, users open a video Status and press and hold the right side of the screen. WhatsApp immediately increases the video to 2x playback speed, and once the user removes their finger, the video returns to its original speed. This means there is no need to open WhatsApp settings or permanently change a playback option. Users can switch between normal and double speed several times while watching the same Status, giving them greater control over the viewing experience.
The gesture should feel familiar to people who regularly watch videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where similar controls are used to speed up video playback. Bringing the feature to Status could make WhatsApp's video experience feel more consistent with other major social media and video platforms.
Longer Music Clips and the Growing Need for Speed
The 2x playback feature follows another Status upgrade that gives users greater flexibility when adding music. WhatsApp recently began rolling out longer music clips for Status updates on iOS, allowing users to select clips of up to 30 seconds. Previously, music clips were fixed at 15 seconds, giving users less control over how long a soundtrack played alongside their Status.
With clips potentially lasting longer, watching large numbers of Status videos can consume more time. The new playback control offers users a way to move through longer updates faster without skipping them completely. Importantly, the 2x option is not restricted to Status videos containing music; it is designed to work with video Status updates generally.
Limited Availability and What's Next
For now, WhatsApp users should not expect the feature to appear on every phone. The 2x Status playback option is being released to selected iOS beta testers running the latest TestFlight version. Wider availability will depend on WhatsApp's rollout and testing process. WhatsApp has not announced a date for when the feature will reach all iPhone users or when a similar rollout could become widely available on Android.
For users who already have access, however, the update introduces a small but potentially useful change: instead of skipping a lengthy Status entirely, they can simply speed through it. The feature could be particularly useful for Nigerians who follow dozens of Status updates daily and want to move through longer videos more quickly.
Legit.ng earlier reported that WhatsApp is testing another small but useful change that could make busy chats and groups easier to manage. The messaging platform is rolling out support for up to four pinned messages instead of the current limit of three.
