- Live Photos are not sent directly via WhatsApp as animations, but as static images.
- They can be converted into GIFs or videos using native iOS features or apps like Shortcuts.
- Sending as a GIF removes the audio, while sending as a video preserves sound and motion.
- There are tools to transfer Live Photos between iOS and Android such as MobileTrans and Wutsapper.
Apple's Live Photos have revolutionized the way we capture moments, adding a small snippet of video and sound to each image. This feature, exclusive to iPhone devices, allows you to relive the moments before and after a photo by simply tapping on it. However, many users face a barrier when trying to send Live Photos through WhatsApp, as the app doesn't recognize this format and converts them into static images.
Luckily, there are simple and fully integrated methods in iOS to convert and send these dynamic images through WhatsApp as if they were GIFs or short videos. In this article, we'll explain, step by step and in great detail, how to achieve this. We'll also show you several alternatives and recommendations so you can share your best moments without complications.
What is a Live Photo and why can't you send it directly?
A Live Photo is an image that includes motion and sound, recording 1,5 seconds before and after the photo is taken. This feature, available on iPhones since the 6s model, is automatically activated from the Camera app, represented by a circular icon at the top of the screen.
The problem arises when we want to share this special content through WhatsApp. When doing so directly, the app only sends the main frame as a static image, losing all the essence of the Live Photo. This is because WhatsApp doesn't natively support the .livephoto format.
The solution is to convert these images into formats recognized by WhatsApp, such as GIF or video. Fortunately, iOS offers several ways to do this without having to install third-party apps.
How to share Live Photos as GIFs from WhatsApp
This method is one of the fastest and most accessible for any iPhone user. You can send the Live Photo from the messaging app itself without having to convert it externally.
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send the image.
- Click on the icon (+) at the bottom left and select “Photos and Videos.”
- Find the Live Photo in your gallery and press and hold its thumbnail for a second.
- An option will appear that says "Select as GIF." Tap it and continue sending.
WhatsApp will automatically convert the Live Photo into an animated GIF, This will allow the recipient to see the movement through this animation. Keep in mind that by converting it to a GIF, you'll lose the original sound of the image.
Convert a Live Photo from the Photos app
Another alternative, also without the need for external applications, is to directly use the iOS Photos app to edit the Live Photo and change its effect.
- Open the Photos app and locate the Live Photo you want.
- At the top left you will see an option that says “LIVE.”
- Click on it and select one of the available effects: Loop, Rebound o long exposure.
- Once you've applied the effect (preferably Loop or Bounce for GIFs), tap the share icon and choose WhatsApp.
The recipient will see this image as an animated GIF, playing the loop as many times as you want.
Save the Live Photo as a video before sending it
Live Photos can also be converted into short videos from the Photos app. This option preserves both the motion and sound of the original image.
- Select the Live Photo in your gallery.
- Click the share icon (box with an up arrow).
- Click "Save as Video." This will add the file to your library as a new one.
- From WhatsApp, enter the chat, tap (+), select "Photos and Videos," and select the generated video.
This method is ideal if you want send the complete Live Photo with audio included, since the resulting file will be a short video compatible with any device, including Android phones.
Create a video with multiple Live Photos
iOS allows you to combine multiple Live Photos into a single video without the need for external apps. This procedure is useful if you've taken several photos in a row and want to combine them into a sequence.
- Make sure the Live Photo feature is enabled when capturing images.
- Shoot multiple photos quickly, leaving less than 1,5 seconds between each shot.
- In the gallery, long press on the first Live Photo to see if a sequence has been created.
- Select all the images in the sequence and click “Save as Video.”
This way, you will get a video file ready to share. on WhatsApp, Telegram, or other social networks without losing quality or resorting to editors.
Using apps like Shortcuts or Workflow to automate conversions
If you prefer to automate processes, Apple's Shortcuts app lets you create very simple workflows to automatically convert your Live Photos into GIFs. You can also do this with Workflow, an app that predates Shortcuts but still works on many devices.
- From the Shortcuts gallery, search for or create a stream called “Live Photo to GIF.”
- Run the shortcut and select the Live Photo you want to transform.
- The system will generate a GIF that you can save or share directly from the share option.
Once the shortcut is created you can easily access it from the share menu or directly from the Shortcuts app. This option is especially useful if you frequently perform these types of conversions.
Transfer Live Photos between devices with MobileTrans or Wutsapper
If you need to move your Live Photos from an iPhone to an Android device and then share them on WhatsApp, there are tools like MobileTrans and Wutsapper that make this process easier.
MobileTrans requires a computer to connect both devices and easily transfer files. Simply install the app, connect the phones via USB, and start the transfer.
Wutsapper, on the other hand, allows for a quick connection with an OTG cable. No computer required. Just connect the devices, open the app on both, select WhatsApp, and begin the transfer process.
Both applications They are very useful if you want to keep or move your contents as is., without losing quality or fragments of the Live Photo when converting them.
Although WhatsApp doesn't natively allow you to send Live Photos, there are multiple ways to convert them into compatible formats without losing their essence. Whether as GIFs, short videos, or even combining multiple images, these alternatives allow you to share animated and lifelike experiences. And best of all, all these options are available to any iPhone user without any technical complications.