The messaging service has announced users will be able to try out a new feature which will transcribe voice notes into text form so they can be read on the go or in noisy environments where an audio message might not be practical.

The company said in a statement: "There's something special about hearing your loved one's voice even when you're far away.

"Though sometimes you're on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just can't stop and listen.

"For those moments we're excited to introduce voice message transcripts. Voice messages can be transcribed into text to help you keep up with conversations no matter what you're doing."

The feature will be disabled by default but it can be turned on and off in the Chat settings. When it's implemented, users can have their voice note turned into text by hitting the 'transcribe' button.

Android users can navigate the feature in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi while iOS users have a wider selection of languages. The company is planning to add more languages to the feature "over the coming months".

A statement posted on Whatsapp's X page added: "Transcripts for voice messages are rolling out now! So when you can’t listen right away, you have the option to read them.

"Voice messages transcripts are generated on your phone so that no one, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read them. Rolling out in select languages."