# Google Chat Unveils Video Messaging: A Fresh Approach to Communication
This update adds to the previously unveiled voice messaging capability in Google Chat.
Google is actively improving its communication platforms, and the newest enhancement to **Google Chat** brings forth a feature that enables users to send **video messages**. This follows the prior release of voice messages, offering users more vibrant and expressive communication avenues. The new feature aims to enhance interaction, making it more efficient, personal, and informative, particularly in professional environments.
## Key Details
– **Video messages** in Google Chat can last up to **three minutes**.
– Users are able to share these messages in **1:1 Direct Messages (DMs)**, **group DMs**, and **spaces**.
– The feature is designed to **save time**, **communicate more information**, and provide **tone or emphasis** to messages.
## A Fresh Method for Communication in Google Chat
In a formal [Workspace blog announcement](https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2024/10/send-video-messages-in-google-chat.html), Google revealed that video messages are now part of **Google Chat**. This feature facilitates more effective communication by enabling users to send concise, personalized video messages. The company notes that video messages can be especially advantageous when team members need to give updates or share details without the need for a live meeting.
The feature’s **three-minute video** limit provides an ideal combination of conciseness and detail, suitable for quick updates, instructions, or personal communications. Google is confident that this addition will enable users to express more information than typical text messages while also enriching interactions through tone and nonverbal cues.
## Steps to Utilize the Video Message Feature
Sending a video message via Google Chat is straightforward and intuitive. Here’s the process:
1. **Record**: Users can hit the **record button** in the Chat compose box to initiate their message.
2. **Preview**: Prior to sending, users can **preview** the video to confirm it delivers the intended message.
3. **Re-record**: If needed, users have the option to **re-record** the message before sending it out.
After sending, the video message can be interacted with through **quotes**, **reactions**, and **replies** in a thread format. Furthermore, these video messages are saved in the **Media section of the Shared tab**, allowing for easy future access.
## Availability on Platforms
At present, the video message feature is accessible on the **web** version of Google Chat, but it is not yet available on **ChromeOS**, **Linux**, or **Firefox**. Additionally, users are unable to record and send video messages from mobile devices for the time being. However, Google has stated that mobile support and further platform compatibility will be introduced soon.
Moreover, Google plans to offer **transcription services** for video messages, which will enhance user experience by creating text versions for easier reference.
## Rollout Timeline and Availability
The rollout of the video message feature has begun for **Rapid Release domains**, with **Scheduled Release domains** anticipated to receive the update starting **October 25**. The feature will be accessible to users on the following **Google Workspace** plans:
– **Business**: Starter, Standard, Plus
– **Enterprise**: Standard, Plus
– **Essentials**: Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
– **Nonprofits**
– **Frontline**: Starter, Standard
## Competing with Other Messaging Services
Google Chat’s addition of video messaging is a natural extension of the **voice messages** feature that debuted earlier this year in **March**. This enhancement strengthens Google Chat’s position as a viable competitor to other well-known messaging platforms like **WhatsApp**, which recently launched a **short-form video sharing feature**.
By incorporating video messages, Google Chat is aligning itself with WhatsApp and other messaging apps that have long provided multimedia communication capabilities. This development reflects the increasing demand for more adaptable and expressive communication tools, especially in professional contexts where remote work and digital collaboration are becoming routine.
## Final Thoughts
The addition of video messages to Google Chat is a valuable enhancement that improves the platform’s communication functionalities. By allowing users to send short, personalized video messages, Google is facilitating a more engaging and efficient way for teams to connect and share information. Although the feature currently limits access to web users, the upcoming expansion to mobile and other platforms, along with transcription services, will make it even more beneficial and accessible in the near future.
As Google continues to refine its messaging service, it will be intriguing to observe how these updates impact communication styles, both in personal and professional domains.
