Sending Native WhatsApp Voice Notes with Transcriptions
What are Native WhatsApp Voice Notes with Transcriptions?
Native WhatsApp voice notes are audio messages that you can send directly from your CRM. They are delivered in a special format that allows them to play instantly within the WhatsApp chat, just like a voice message recorded directly in the WhatsApp app. Additionally, if the recipient has enabled a specific setting in their own WhatsApp, they can view a text transcription of your message. This feature is designed to make communication faster and more accessible.
Key Benefits of Native WhatsApp Voice Notes
Using native voice notes offers several advantages for both your team and your contacts.
- Instant Playback: Messages are played directly within the WhatsApp conversation, eliminating the need for contacts to download a file.
- Optional Transcripts: Recipients who enable transcripts in their WhatsApp can read the message, which is helpful in loud environments or for those who prefer reading.
- Improved Engagement: The familiar, inline audio format helps conversations feel more natural and can lead to higher response rates.
- Reliable Delivery: By using WhatsApp's native format, the messages are less likely to encounter delivery issues compared to sending audio files as attachments.
How to Record and Send a Voice Note
You can send a native WhatsApp voice note directly from the Conversations interface.
- Open Conversations and select a WhatsApp thread with a contact.
- Click the microphone icon to start recording your message. You can pause, resume, or delete the recording before sending it.
- Click Send. The CRM will automatically convert your recording into the correct format and deliver it as a native WhatsApp voice note.
About Voice Message Transcription
The ability for a recipient to see a transcript of your voice note is controlled entirely by their own WhatsApp settings. Your CRM does not generate or store these transcripts.
If a contact has enabled the voice message transcription feature in their WhatsApp app, they can tap on a supported voice note to view the text. If this setting is disabled on their device, the transcript will not be available.
Supported Format and Limits
To ensure your voice notes are delivered correctly, please be aware of the following technical details.
- Format: Outbound voice notes are automatically converted and sent in the OGG/Opus format, which is the standard for WhatsApp.
- Maximum Duration: Each voice note can be up to 10 minutes long.
- Media Availability: WhatsApp hosts the media files for a limited time. Very old voice notes may appear as unavailable when viewed within the CRM's message history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a WhatsApp template to send a voice note?
No, a template is not required when you are replying to a contact within the 24-hour messaging session window. Templates are only needed for initiating a new conversation outside of that window.
Will my old voice messages be converted to the new native format?
No. Existing messages that were sent as file attachments will remain in their original format. The native delivery feature only applies to new voice notes sent after this feature was enabled.
Does the CRM store the transcripts of voice notes?
No. Transcripts are generated and displayed by the recipient's WhatsApp application. The CRM does not create, store, or have access to these transcripts.
Can contacts reply with a voice note?
Yes. When a contact replies with a voice note, it will appear in your Conversations inbox as an inbound message that you can play directly.