Google Duo has launched a video messaging feature as part of the latest update that’s rolling out to users on Android right now. With the new feature in place, if you happen to call someone with Duo but can’t reach them because they don’t pick up or miss the call, you can now leave them a video message as an alternative option so that you can still share with them what you wanted to share in the video call. Video messages can be up to 30 seconds long and once sent, that person will get the video message in the Duo app with the ability to check up on it later.
The update is rolling out gradually to users so it might not show up immediately, though it is worth noting that the app was recently updated on a Google Pixel and the feature was still not available after a video call was placed, so it might be something that Google has to enable on its end. Google also doesn’t mention where users are getting the feature first, whether it be the U.S. or globally, so the feature being live may vary from person to person and from region to region.
Once a video message is left, the person who received it can go back into the Duo app and tap on the icon of the person that sent it. To signify who sent the message there will be a tiny play button next to their icon so you won’t have to worry about guessing, and once tapped the video message will play out. Messages will also be available for a 24-hour period only, though users will be able to download them if they want to keep any messages that come in. If you end up needing or wanting to leave a video message, after you try calling someone Duo will give you the option to leave a video message directly after the call is missed or declined, and you’ll have a three-second window to get ready for the message as a timer countdown will start after you tap the leave a message button. Google is beginning to roll this feature out today albeit without mentioning how long it will take before it’s live for all users globally, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for it if you’re looking forward to testing it out.