Nov 09, 2016 05:22 AM EST By A. Lara, UniversityHerald Reporter

It's only been a week when the application introduced the video calling feature, and now, another WhatsApp update promises a new and exciting feature.

Users of the application can now send GIF messages and live photos in a simple and easy to follow instructions. The WhatsApp update GIF feature allows users to send a GIF message not longer than 6 seconds. To send, simply press the GIF on the mobile web browser, press copy, paste it on the WhatsApp text box and send it.

Interestingly, WCCFTech reported that the new WhatsApp update also allows sending live photos. In live photos, you can either select a photo to be sent as a GIF or a photo. Currently, this new version of WhatsApp update is in its beta form, so you may not be able to see it yet.

Meanwhile, users should know that this current WhatsApp update in beta is only available on the iOS platform. While Android may try it too, they will have to make use of a third party application to try it. This move is quite risky and may post threat on your phone's security.

The simplest way to send a live photo as GIF, according to MacRumors, is to 3D Touch a photo after tapping on Attach > Photo/Video Library and choose "Select as GIF." Currently, the WhatsApp update is at version 2.16.15.

For now, only registered beta testers can try the new WhatsApp update. The rest under the iOS platform will be able to get it once it's made available on the App Store. If you have the updated version of WhatsApp, chances are, you are already using the GIF feature. If not, manually download the latest version of the application to enjoy the feature.

For more news and update on WhatsApp, make sure to read us here on the University Herald.

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