Google Duo, Google's cross-platform FaceTime-style video calling app, was today updated with a new video messages feature that's designed to allow users to leave video voicemails whenever someone doesn't pick up a call.


Google says that if a person you're calling declines or misses your call, you can record up to 30 seconds of video (or voice) to send to the person. Video messages can be played in the Duo app by tapping on the sender's icon, and a quick call back can be done through the "Call now" button available after watching a video message.

All video messages will disappear one day after they were first watched, but can be saved to the iPhone's camera roll if so desired.

Sometimes, your mom isn't free for a video call at the moment you're trying to show off your culinary masterpiece. The same goes when you're trying to catch your best friend to rave about your favorite basketball team's recent win. But even if they miss your call, you shouldn't lose the opportunity to show them what you were calling about. Beginning today on Google Duo, you can leave a video message when the person you're calling can't pick up.

First introduced in August of 2016, Google Duo works on both iOS and Android devices. Users sign up with a phone number and can then place calls to any contacts who also have the Duo app installed. Google Duo, like Google Hangouts, another Google video app with a more enterprise focus, has been fairly popular since it launched.

Duo is consistently within the top 20 free apps in the Social Networking section of the U.S. App Store, and with the new release, it's sitting at the number 15 spot.

Video messaging is available today in the Google Duo apps for Android and iOS. [Direct Link]

Tags: Duo, Google

Top Rated Comments

104 months ago
Anyone who has given any serious thought to the future of video calling has thought about this. Apple could have easily implemented this technology years ago (wow, a voicemail but video :eek:). Leave it to second-rate competitors to finally make it happen first...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
timborama Avatar
104 months ago
Not giving Google my phone number! Why won’t they accept google account sign up?!? Makes Duo useless on iPad/iPod.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProwlingTiger Avatar
104 months ago
How many messaging apps has Google released over the past few years and how many has it killed?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngstyKylo Avatar
104 months ago
This is cute but until Android makes Duo part of the OS on all recent devices it's not going to have enough users to stop people using other apps.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
104 months ago
How many messaging apps has Google released over the past few years and how many has it killed?
Well, there was Talk, that morphed into Hangouts. Google account required. This is their primary messaging platform. Integrated into Gmail. Accessible everywhere.

Then they released their mobile-only suit, Duo (Video) and Allo (Text) that's based on phone number... no Google account required. Supposed to be for the Everyman and simple, a la WhatsApp, iMessage+FaceTime.

Then they have their slack competitor, Hangouts Chat and Meet, which is geared toward a different market (G suite clients... a la Microsoft Teams, Facebook Work, Hipchat, etc.). Shouldn't really be lumped into their other products- it's for workplaces.

I don't know which they've killed. I hope that answers your question!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Geerad Avatar
103 months ago
Not giving Google my phone number! Why won’t they accept google account sign up?!? Makes Duo useless on iPad/iPod.
You can use it on your iPad just Google it and you’ll find out how.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Gurman: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be Underwhelming

Monday February 16, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models "won't be a big update," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the iPhone 18 Pro models will "represent minor tweaks from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max." He compared the upgrade to Apple's past practice of appending the letter "S" to its more minor...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Rumor: Apple to Announce Multiple New Products in First Week of March

Tuesday February 17, 2026 6:35 pm PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. And now, rumors are surfacing about Apple's broader plans for that week. Daring Fireball's John Gruber today guessed that Apple will announce new products on a day-by-day basis from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4:What strikes...
Toyota Rav4 Car Key Feature

Toyota Rolling Out Apple Wallet Car Keys on iPhone

Tuesday February 17, 2026 12:34 pm PST by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, such as Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, and Toyota is now rolling out support as well. According to a Reddit post, select trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 ...