WhatsApp Launches Voice Message Transcripts Feature: Voice Messages Can Now Be Read as Text

WhatsApp has officially launched a new feature called Voice Message Transcripts on Thursday, November 21, 2024. In its official blog post, WhatsApp shared, "We are excited to introduce voice message transcripts. Now, voice messages can be converted into text to help you keep up with any conversation." The development of this feature was first rumored in September 2021, and after nearly three years of anticipation, it is now officially available for users worldwide.

The Voice Message Transcripts feature allows users to convert voice notes into text, making it possible to read the content of a message without having to listen to it first. Voice notes have long been useful for users who want to send a message when they can't type directly. However, the recipient of the voice note may be in a situation where they cannot listen to the message, such as in a noisy environment or without headphones. Additionally, there are times when users simply do not have the time to listen to lengthy voice notes. This is where the voice message transcription feature comes in handy, as recipients can read the transcribed text of the voice message they received instead of having to listen to it.

To use this feature, users simply need to press and hold the voice note for a few seconds and select the "transcribe" option. The transcribed text will appear directly below the voice note, as shown in the illustrations shared by WhatsApp.

How to Enable the Voice Message Transcripts Feature

WhatsApp mentioned that the voice message transcription feature will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks. Users in various countries, including Indonesia, can expect to see the update soon. Once the feature becomes available, users will need to activate it before they can start using it. Here are the steps to enable the Voice Message Transcripts feature:

Open the WhatsApp app.
Go to "Settings."
Select "Chats."
Look for the "Voice message transcripts" option.
Toggle the switch to turn it "on."
Choose your preferred language for the transcription.

Initially, this feature supports languages such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. Support for additional languages, including Indonesian, is expected to be added soon. WhatsApp emphasized that the transcription process takes place directly on the user's device, ensuring that no one, including WhatsApp itself, can listen to or access the content of the voice messages or their transcriptions. The feature remains protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy and security of users' messages.

With the introduction of this feature, WhatsApp offers users greater flexibility in communication, allowing them to keep up with important messages without worrying about time constraints or being in a situation where listening to a voice message is not possible.