Audio-only clips

[robby1066]

What's the problem you're hoping this new feature will solve?

It may not always be possible or desirable to record a video. Some examples:

• Recording on mobile and there's no non-distracting background
• The speaker feels uncomfortable with their appearance (could be bad hair day, or simply a preference not for video)

In cases like this, it should be possible to record a clip with audio only. This would give the communication the benefit of tone and emotion, and could be included in messages just like other clips that included video.

Description of feature

The feature here would be a control on the message record page that gives the person recording a clip an easy way to toggle off video.

Alternatives and workarounds

If someone really wants to not show their face right now, they would have to physically obstruct their device's camera or use a virtual camera that sent audio but no video.