The new feature called “Document Preview” has been rolled via an update through the Google Play Beta Program and is currently being tested as part of WhatsApp for Android’s beta version 2.22.5.11. Till date, the Meta-owned instant messaging app allowed previews for PDF-type files only. Any image or video shared on WhatsApp as a document did not show up with a preview. It only displayed the file type and its name for general users. In order to know the content inside the preview, the users were further required to tap on it. However, with the latest update, when a user will share images and videos in the form of a document on WhatsApp, the app will directly display an enhanced preview showing the kind of content it has inside to the receiver of the message.

WhatsApp is introducing a new way to view the preview of images and videos shared as documents. Certain beta testers may be able to use the same feature on some previous updates as well.https://t.co/RtSbCoMfx3 — WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) February 17, 2022   “WhatsApp is introducing a new way to view the preview of images and videos shared as documents. Certain beta testers may be able to use the same feature on some previous updates as well.” WABetaInfo wrote in its Twitter handle. Currently, the new feature is rolled out to certain beta testers and is expected to be made available for everyone in the coming weeks. However, the exact timeline remains unknown. Until then, the preview feature will be available for PDF files only.