WhatsApp has now introduced two new features: streaming shared videos and Animated GIF support, which were only available on the beta versions but now has been unveiled for use for all Android users.

WhatsApp users will be able to play videos right away without downloading them as per the new streaming feature and they will be downloaded right to the device after the videos finishes playing, reported the Business Today.

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Now you can share GIFs on WhatsApp

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Able to stream either on Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection, the feature gives the user an option to decide whether he/she wishes to download the full video or not.

Similar to YouTube, which buffers whenever a video is clicked based on the bandwidth, this feature contains a Play icon instead of a Download icon, which when clicked will start playing the video, with the download occurring the background.

Streaming videos

Another WhatsApp feature to receive full-fledged support on Android is the inclusion of the animated GIF.

Initially rolled out on WhatsApp Android beta in August, it enables users to convert a 6-second video to an animated GIF and share it with contacts. Users can also crop the GIF images to the size they prefer and they would be stored in WhatsApp directory’s “Animated GIFs” folder.

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WATCH: Here’s how this streaming works