San Francisco: X has reintroduced Voice Notes to X Chat, allowing users to send audio messages through its direct messaging system once again. The feature works in both one‑on‑one conversations and group chats.
Voice Notes were previously removed when X upgraded its messaging system. Their return addresses user complaints and brings X Chat closer in line with other popular messaging platforms.
Unlike before, voice messages are now limited to private chats only. Public voice posts on the main X timeline are no longer supported.
Users can record a voice message by tapping the voice input icon next to the text box in a chat. Recording works by pressing and holding the button while speaking. X also offers a hands‑free option. Users can press the button and swipe up to continue recording without keeping their finger on the screen.
The return of Voice Notes makes X Chat more competitive with platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram, where audio messaging is already a standard feature. The update is especially important as X continues to push X Chat as a standalone app. The company has recently begun beta testing a separate X Chat app on iOS.
X Chat was introduced in November as part of an overhaul of the platform’s direct messages. At the time, X said voice messages would return “soon”, but no timeline was shared.
Along with Voice Notes, X Chat includes other features such as message editing and deletion, disappearing messages, file sharing, voice and video calls, and screenshot notifications.
X claims that chats in X Chat are end‑to‑end encrypted. However, security experts have raised concerns, noting that the service may not be as secure as that offered by encrypted messaging apps like Signal.
The move reflects a larger shift in X’s strategy. Elon Musk has repeatedly described X as an “everything app”, but the company is now testing individual features as separate experiences. For example, X Money, the platform’s payments service, is also being tested as a standalone product rather than as part of the main app.
Bringing back Voice Notes may help improve day‑to‑day engagement, especially for users who prefer speaking over typing during long conversations. The feature is now rolling out across supported platforms, including Android, iOS, and the web. Its availability, however, may vary as X continues its gradual rollout.
The return, all in all, suggests that X is refining its messaging tools based on user feedback.
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