How do I send a voice message instead of text?
Voice messaging refers to sending short audio recordings instead of text messages on smartphones. With voice messaging apps like WhatsApp, users can press and hold a button to record and then send voice messages that are typically under a minute long. Voice messages offer a more natural and personal way of communicating compared to text. According to language expert Sylvia Johnson, “Voice notes provide a more nuanced understanding of a message compared to written text communication” (https://preply.com/en/blog/voice-notes-on-the-rise/). People choose to send voice messages for several key reasons.
Enable Voice Messaging
Most messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and Android Messages have built-in capabilities for sending voice messages. However, this feature may need to be enabled first before you can start recording and sending voice messages.
On iPhone devices using iMessage:
- Open the Settings app and tap on Messages
- Toggle on the setting for Audio Messages to enable it
In WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Settings icon in the bottom right
- Go to Storage and Data > Media Auto-Download
- Enable Auto-Download for Voice Messages
For Android Messages on Android devices:
- Open the Messages app and tap on the three dot menu icon
- Go to Settings > Advanced features
- Toggle on the option for Audio messages
Once enabled in the app settings, you will see a microphone icon next to the text box when composing a new message. Tap this icon to start recording and sending voice messages.
Record a Voice Message
You can record and send voice messages on both iPhone and Android devices using the default messaging app. To record a voice message on an iPhone with iOS 10 or later, open the Messages app and select a conversation or start a new one. Tap and hold the microphone icon and start speaking to record your message (1). The recording will stop once you lift your finger. You can listen to the message before sending or tap More to delete it and re-record. iOS 16 also allows you to pause while recording a voice message (2).
On Android phones, open the Messages app and select a conversation or start a new one. Tap and hold the microphone icon and begin speaking to record your voice message. You can see a waveform react in real-time as you record. Lift your finger to end the recording. You can tap the trash icon to delete the message and re-record if needed. Samsung devices also have a Voice Recorder app that allows recording longer voice memos beyond the time limit in Messages (3).
Both platforms provide easy access to record audio messages up to a certain duration directly in the text messaging app. With some tweaks to recording time limits and features, voice messages can convey more nuance than a block of text.
Sources:
(1) https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/send-and-receive-audio-messages-iph2e42d3117/ios
(2) https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/ios-16-1-iphb67cddc24/ios
(3) https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00082630/
Listen to Voice Messages
To listen to voice messages you’ve received from others:
On iOS devices, open the Phone app and tap the Voicemail tab. Any new voicemail messages will be displayed. Tap a message to play it back. You can also swipe left on a message to access options like deleting, sharing, or marking as unread.
On Android devices, open the Phone app and navigate to the Voicemail section. Tap and hold the “1” key on the dialpad to call voicemail and listen to messages. Alternatively, enter your voicemail number manually on the dialpad.
With apps like Google Voice, open the app and select “Voicemail” from the bottom menu. Any new voicemail messages will be displayed. Tap a message to play it back.
Most mobile providers also offer a visual voicemail app or service, allowing you to easily browse and play voicemails like text messages. Check with your provider on enabling and accessing visual voicemail.
Share Longer Messages
Voice messages allow you to share longer, more detailed messages than text. While text messages have size limits usually around 160 characters, voice messages typically allow recording up to a few minutes. For example, on WhatsApp the limit is around 16 minutes according to one source on Quora. This greater length capacity makes voice messages ideal for telling stories, explaining complex ideas, offering lengthy advice or recommendations, and expressing yourself fully without having to type out long texts.
Voice messaging is perfect when you have a lot to say but don’t have time to type it all out. You can just record yourself speaking naturally and capture all your thoughts coherently. The recipient can then play your message and hear everything you wanted to convey, even if it was too much to fit clearly within the constraints of texts.
Convey Emotion and Nuance
One of the biggest benefits of voice messaging over standard texting is the ability to convey tone, emotion, and nuance. In text messages, it can be difficult to communicate sarcasm, enthusiasm, sadness, or other complex feelings. Tone of voice, pacing, emphasis, and inflection allow voice messages to express a wider range of emotion.
As Michelle K of Michelle K Training writes, “Text messages, while efficient, often struggle to convey the full spectrum of human emotion. In contrast, voice memos break free from the confines of the written word to deliver a more accurate and holistic message.” [1]
Research has shown voice can powerfully communicate emotion in multimedia communication. As Lawson et al. explain, “This suggests that voice generally is a powerful source of affective information, but in certain situations (e.g., a frustrated instructor) it can be even more influential.” [2]
With voice messages, you can ensure your tone and meaning come through clearly. You can indicate excitement, hesitation, humor, affection, or other nuances that text alone struggles to convey.
Increase Accessibility
Voice messaging can help increase accessibility for those with visual impairments or disabilities. According to Text To Speech Reader For The Blind, blind users can listen to text messages read aloud through text-to-speech apps like Speechify. This allows them to access the content of text messages easily through audio rather than braille or screen readers. Apps like VoiceOver for iOS also read text messages aloud for those unable to read the screen.
There are many apps available to assist those who are blind or visually impaired in accessing text messages via audio, such as Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, and K-NFB Reader. Using voice messages directly can make communication more accessible by removing the need to convert text to speech. Apps like BlindSquare and other communication devices also allow easier access to messaging for the visually impaired.
Save Time Typing
Sending voice messages can be much faster than typing out long text messages. As the saying goes, talk is cheap. Most people can speak at a rate of about 150 words per minute, while average typing speed is 40-60 words per minute[1]. For long or detailed messages, it’s often quicker to just speak your thoughts rather than slowly typing them out.
Voice messaging is great for those situations when you have a lot to say, but don’t have time to laboriously type out each word. You can quickly record and send a voice message, allowing you to communicate the key details without getting bogged down in typing. This can save you time and energy, especially if you’re messaging back and forth about complex topics.
The time savings are especially noticeable on mobile, where typing on a small keyboard can be tedious. Just tap and talk instead of pecking out each letter. Send voice messages when you’re on the go and don’t have the ability to type out long texts. Or when you have thoughts you want to get out quickly without the hassle of typing.
Usage Tips
When sending voice messages, follow these best practices for clear audio, quick messages, and respecting surroundings:
Speak clearly and audibly so your message is easily understood. Hold the phone close to your mouth in a quiet environment for the best sound quality. Listen to your recording before sending to check the volume and clarity. Consider re-recording if there is too much background noise.
Be concise and get to the point quickly. Voice messages do not need to be long-winded conversations. Keep them under 30 seconds when possible. Only share the key details the recipient needs.
Be mindful of where you are when recording a voice message. Avoid noisy locations or recording around others unless they are aware and have consented. Move to a quiet, private area when possible.
Ask the recipient if they are comfortable receiving voice messages rather than assuming. Text first to see if they have time or ability to listen.
Review messages before sending to ensure you have conveyed the right sentiment and information intended.
Conclusion
Sending voice messages instead of typed text can provide a variety of benefits. Voice messages allow you to convey more emotion and nuance through the tone of your voice. They also increase accessibility for those who have difficulty typing. Additionally, voice messages can save you time compared to typing out longer texts.
To take advantage of voice messaging, first make sure the feature is enabled on your device. Then, when composing a new message, press and hold the microphone icon to record your message. Tap to stop recording when you’re finished. The message will be sent as an audio file that the recipient can listen to.
With practice, voice messaging can become a seamless way to communicate quickly and expressively. Consider using voice messages for longer updates, emotional conversations, or anytime typing feels tedious. Just be sure to follow proper voice messaging etiquette by keeping messages brief and only sending them when appropriate.