WhatsApp has announced the official rollout of “Voice Message Transcripts.” This update offers users the ability to read text versions of voice messages, making it easier to keep up with conversations in situations where listening is not an option.
While voice messages add a personal touch to communication, capturing emotions that texts often miss, they’re not always convenient like for when you’re on the move, in a noisy environment, or simply don’t have the time and patience to go through them. The new transcripts address this issue by providing a readable version of voice messages, ensuring you never miss out, no matter where you are at.
WhatsApp voice message transcripts: How they work
Transcripts are generated directly on your device, WhatsApp says, highlighting their privacy element. This ensures that no one, not even WhatsApp, can access your message transcripts. To enable the feature, go to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts to toggle it on or off.
You can also select your preferred transcript language for added convenience. WhatsApp is starting with a limited number of languages with plans to expand language support in the months ahead. The feature itself is rolling out globally over the coming weeks.
Using the feature is simple—just long-press on a voice message and tap “Transcribe” to view the text.
WhatsApp drafts
WhatsApp also introduced the Message Drafts feature recently. This update addresses a common issue—forgetting to send an unfinished message.
When you start typing but don’t hit “send,” WhatsApp now marks the chat with a clear “Draft” label and moves it to the top of your chat list. This ensures you can quickly locate and complete your messages without scrolling through multiple conversations.
The feature is particularly useful for those moments when you’re interrupted, distracted, or multitasking. By keeping drafts visible at the top, WhatsApp helps users stay on track and prevents important messages from being overlooked.
