Video Streaming Feature Explained
The new Video Streaming feature on WhatsApp iOS Beta allows you to use Picture in Picture mode to play YouTube videos. The video plays on the top half of the screen, allowing you to scroll through messages as you watch the video. You can also play it in full-screen mode, WABetaInfo reported. This feature also allows you to drag a video to the side of your screen, without stopping the playback. This means you can read your messages on full screen and also play video side-by-side. This feature is still in its beta phase, hence it has certain shortcomings. For example, you cannot keep the video playing if you change the chat window. Surprisingly, the feature has been available for iPad users since iOS 9.
Compatible Devices
Coming to compatibility, the video streaming feature is available on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus only. The streaming feature is hidden and is available for WhatsApp iOS Beta version users only. There has been no announcement about the arrival of video streaming feature for Android or Windows phones.
Recent Updates
WhatsApp has been adding big updates for Apple devices. Recently, they added the Multi-format sharing and later unveiled the ‘Pinned Chats’ feature for iOS. Although the multi-format sharing was enabled for Android devices too, iOS users can still upload slightly larger files than Android users.