whatsappWhatsApp for iOS has been updated to support inline Instagram and Facebook video playback, according to the messaging platform's latest release notes.

YouTube videos have been playable for some time in WhatsApp, which also offers a Picture-in-Picture mode for continuing to watch while switching between chat threads. However, clicking on an Instagram or Facebook video link kicks users out of the app and into the respective hosting platform.

The WhatsApp changelog for version 2.18.51 indicates support for Facebook and Instagram videos has now been greenlighted by the developers, although our tests suggest the feature is still being rolled out.

The group administrator functions have also been tweaked in the latest version of the app, so that group admins can now revoke admin rights from other participants. To remove an admin, select the user in "Group Info" and select "Dismiss As Admin".

In addition, group admins can now choose who can change a group's subject, icon, and description. These options can also be found in Group Info under the "Group Settings" section.

At the recent Facebook F8 developers conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed WhatsApp will soon support group video calling, although he offered no timeline for the feature's introduction. The messaging platform is also set to support stickers "soon", including third-party ones made by developers.

Tags: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp

Top Rated Comments

0008652 Avatar
0008652
101 months ago
If only people knew how good telegram is, if only :|
I am sorry but it is not. It is more or less the same. No encryption by default and when it is encrypted (secret chat) the encryption method is dubious. Take into account the metadata collection and not fully open-source nature and you get a messenger that is almost identical to WhatsApp. I have to say that the client is responsive and offers nice features though. WhatsApp on the other hand is encrypted by default, but closed-source and the metadata is sent to Facebook.

If you want something that protects your privacy you can simply use Signal, Wire (a tiny bit more metadata collection), riot.im (with your own server)/XMPP, Briar/Ricochet/Tox, et cetera. Signal currently being the one with the most users.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
confirmed Avatar
confirmed
101 months ago
I read this as less secure, knowing Facebook.....or isn't it.
I suspect this has something to do with why Jan Koum recently left ('https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/30/whatsapp-cofounder-leaves-facebook/'). While your WhatsApp chats remain encrypted, this sort of use would be treated as browsing history, which is likely open for WhatsApp to use. They’ll be able to use this data to begin to build a profile of your interests as a precursor to showing ads within WhatsApp.

See this note from Barclays ('https://twitter.com/amitranjan/status/991571393392381953?s=21') on Jan Koum’s departure.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mujtaba.mir Avatar
mujtaba.mir
101 months ago
I meant Telegram is better when you look at the way you access it from your desktops, and doesn't rely on your phone mirroring it to the browser. Plus, as you said it is very responsive.

For privacy, I think Threema is the best option out there.
https://threema.ch/en

Thanks for the list though.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
justperry
101 months ago
I read this as less secure, knowing Facebook.....or isn't it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
haruhiko Avatar
haruhiko
101 months ago
A new way of connecting the two databases together.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Read Full Article • 90 comments
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Read Full Article • 30 comments
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Read Full Article
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Read Full Article • 141 comments
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Read Full Article • 64 comments