WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that makes staying connected even more convenient: voice message transcripts.
This innovation converts voice messages into written text, helping users keep up with conversations in situations where listening isn’t feasible.
The transcripts are generated directly on the user’s device, ensuring that messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption. Even WhatsApp cannot access the content of voice messages or their transcripts.
To enable the feature, users can navigate to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts, toggle the feature on or off, and select their preferred transcript language.
To transcribe a voice message, simply tap and hold the message, then select Transcribe. While the feature currently supports a limited number of languages—such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian on Android—WhatsApp plans to expand language support over time.
iOS users enjoy broader language options, including French, German, and Arabic, with additional languages available on iOS 17 and newer.
The transcript feature is ideal for users who may be in loud environments or prefer to skim through long voice messages. However, users may encounter occasional inaccuracies due to background noise or unsupported languages.
Errors like “Transcript unavailable” may also appear if the language settings don’t align with the voice message’s language.
WhatsApp emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and security. With transcripts generated locally, users can rest assured that their messages remain confidential.
For those interested, additional customization, including downloading language settings over Wi-Fi, is available when first setting up the feature.
This feature aligns with the growing trend of offering convenience without compromising privacy. For marketers, it underscores the importance of accessibility in digital platforms.
With this enhancement, WhatsApp is not just improving usability but also setting a precedent for secure, on-device AI features that respect user privacy.
