How do I send an audio text?
What is an audio text message?
An audio text message, also known as a voice note or voice message, is a recorded audio clip sent as a message through a messaging application. Instead of typing a text message, users can quickly record and send a short voice recording to convey their message.
Popular messaging apps that support audio text messaging include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal, WeChat, and iMessage. WhatsApp alone reported that users were sending over 7 billion voice messages daily as of March 2022.
Audio messaging has seen growing adoption and popularity over the last decade. While the feature existed earlier, wider adoption began around 2010 when apps like Viber introduced voice messaging capabilities. As smartphone technology improved with better microphones and network speeds, audio messages became an increasingly convenient way to communicate.
Benefits of sending audio texts
Audio texts can be more personal and convey more meaning than typed messages. Hearing someone’s voice allows you to better understand the tone and emotion behind the message.
Leaving an audio message can also be much faster than typing out a long text, especially if you’re multitasking or on the go. Speaking freely enables you to communicate complete thoughts and details more easily.
Audio texts are convenient since they allow you to send messages hands-free. This makes them ideal for situations like driving, cooking, walking, or when your hands are otherwise occupied.
According to a blog post on the Agendrix website, audio messages enable more complete communication by conveying tone and emotion. The post cites time savings, improved understanding, and convenience as key benefits of audio messaging (Source).
How to record and send an audio text
Recording and sending an audio text is a straightforward process on most messaging platforms. Here are the basic steps:
First, open the messaging app you want to use and locate the audio message button. This is usually represented by a microphone icon. On WhatsApp, for example, the audio message button is at the right side of the text box.
To start recording your voice message, press and hold the audio message button. Keep holding the button down while you speak your message. When you’re done, release your finger from the button to stop recording.
Before sending your message, you’ll have a chance to review what you recorded. Listen back to make sure you’re happy with the audio. You can also delete and re-record as many times as needed.
Finally, when you’re ready to send, simply attach the audio file like any other media, and hit send. On most apps, your message will have a little waveform icon to indicate to the recipient that it’s an audio file.
The steps are very similar on both iPhone and Android devices. With just a few taps, you can start sending quick voice notes instead of typing out long text messages.
Audio text etiquette
When sending audio texts, it’s important to be considerate of the recipient and follow proper etiquette. Here are some tips:
Keep messages brief and concise. Get to the point within 30 seconds or less. Don’t ramble on unnecessarily. As the etiquette experts at Debrett’s note, “A voice note might be convenient for the sender, but it may not be ideal for the recipient. Listening to a voice note requires a certain amount of time and attention that the recipient may not have readily available.” https://debretts.com/the-etiquette-of-voice-notes/
If you have a lot to say, move the conversation to a phone call rather than sending a long audio message. As The Wall Street Journal advises, “Listening to a voice note often requires someone to put whatever else she’s doing on pause. Respect her time by keeping things brief.” https://www.wsj.com/articles/voice-messages-phone-etiquette-guide-11664388240
Be mindful of the recipient’s environment when sending audio texts. Don’t disrupt them if you know they are at work, in a meeting, or out in public. Wait for a better time to send the message.
Obtain consent before sending emotional or sensitive messages via audio text. Written communication may be better suited for discussing private matters.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having issues sending or receiving audio messages, here are some troubleshooting tips to try:
First, make sure microphone access is enabled for your messaging app. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure the app is toggled on (source). On Android, go to Settings > Apps and notifications > App permissions > Microphone and make sure permissions are allowed.
Check your data or WiFi connection. Audio messages require a stable internet connection to send and receive properly. Try toggling airplane mode on and off or connect to a different network (source).
Update your messaging app to the latest version, as newer versions may have bug fixes related to audio messaging. You can update apps manually through your phone’s app store.
Try restarting your phone, as a simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or connection issues.
If problems persist, clearing the cache and data for your messaging app may help. This erases temporary files and resets the app. Just be aware it may log you out.
Privacy considerations
When sending audio messages, it’s important to be aware of potential privacy risks. By default, audio messages in messaging apps are not end-to-end encrypted. This means the app provider could access the contents of your messages (Source). To protect your privacy, take the following precautions:
- Review the app’s permissions and privacy policy to understand how your data may be collected or shared.
- Enable disappearing messages so audio texts auto-delete after a set time period.
- Consider using an app like Signal or WhatsApp that offers end-to-end encryption.
- Avoid sending sensitive personal information over audio messages.
While audio texts can be convenient, be thoughtful about what details you share. Taking steps to protect your privacy will give you peace of mind.
Accessibility Considerations for Audio Texts
Audio texts can provide helpful accessibility options for people with certain disabilities, but they also present some challenges that should be considered.
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, audio texts lack an auto-generated text transcription. However, Android’s Live Transcribe app can listen to audio messages and provide real-time transcriptions [1]. Similarly, Apple’s Live Listen feature can transcribe audio texts for users [2]. Enabling these features can make audio texts more accessible.
For people with vision impairments or motor disabilities, voice control features like Siri and Google Assistant allow hands-free listening and replying to audio texts. This provides an alternative to reading or typing out responses.
While audio texts introduce new accessibility opportunities, they also lack some of the customization options of written messages that aid readability, like font size, contrast, and color. Designing an inclusive audio messaging experience requires considering varied needs and providing flexible tools.
Data/cost considerations
Audio messages use more data than text messages. According to sources, voice chat services consume between 0.5 and 1.5 megabytes (MB) of data per minute.
To avoid potential overage charges, it’s best to use WiFi whenever possible when sending audio messages. Cellular data usage can add up quickly, especially for longer messages.
Some messaging apps like Pinngle Messenger compress audio files to reduce data consumption. Compressed formats save data but may impact audio quality.
Check your phone’s data usage breakdown to monitor how much data audio messaging consumes. Setting data limits or warnings can also help avoid surprises.
Consider toggling cellular data off when not needed to restrict background app data usage. Audio messages don’t require an internet connection to be created, only to be sent.
If you have a limited data plan, use audio messaging sparingly. Stick to text or consider upgrading your data allotment if you find yourself running out too quickly.
Alternatives to Audio Texts
While audio texts can be fun and convenient, they aren’t always the best option. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Video Messages
Sending a quick video allows you to convey tone and facial expressions in addition to your voice message. Popular apps like Snapchat and Instagram make it easy to capture and send videos. Just be mindful of video length and file size limits when sending videos.
Voice Calls
For longer or more urgent conversations, a real-time voice call may be better than an audio text. You get the benefit of hearing someone’s voice and tone while also being able to have a real dialogue.
Emojis and GIFs
Sometimes a well-chosen emoji or animated GIF communicates just as well as an audio message. Emojis and GIFs let you express emotions and reactions quickly and easily. While they lack the nuance of voice, they can be a fun, lightweight alternative to audio.
The right communication method depends on the situation. While audio texts provide a unique way to convey your voice, other options like video, voice calls, emojis, and GIFs may be better suited depending on the context.
The future of audio messaging
Audio messaging is likely to become even more integrated into daily communication in the future through new technological capabilities. One exciting development is deeper integration with smart assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant to enable hands-free audio messaging.1 For example, users may be able to record and send audio messages using just voice commands.
Another possibility is the rise of live audio rooms that allow groups to gather for real-time voice conversations. Apps like Clubhouse have pioneered this concept of social audio in recent years. As the technology matures, live audio chat rooms may become a popular new communication option.
Ephemeral or temporary audio messaging is also on the horizon, bringing the off-the-cuff and informal nature of voice messages to time-limited chats that disappear. Features like expiring voice messages could reduce audio text anxiety and encourage more authentic communication.
As technology removes friction from recording and sharing voice notes, audio is likely to pervade daily messaging even more in the future. The human voice conveys nuance, emotion and personality in a uniquely powerful way – and audio messaging is increasingly embracing these strengths.
