Why it’s a waste of time leaving long WhatsApp voice-notes in London
Londoners might love sending WhatsApp voice notes — but it turns out most of them are wasting their breath.
A new study by Talkmobile has revealed that the average voice note sent from the capital lasts 12 minutes and 18 seconds, yet listeners only make it through around three minutes and 42 seconds before tuning out.
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That means more than eight minutes of every voice note goes completely unheard, even though Londoners send more of them than anyone else in the UK.
The research found that three in four Londoners (75%) rarely listen to a voice note all the way through — slightly better than the UK average of 80% who admit to cutting them off early.
Despite this, the capital still holds the title of voice note capital of Britain, with residents sending around three a day, or more than 21 each week, compared to the national average of just under 15.
Who listens (and who doesn’t)
Nationwide, Gen Z are the biggest voice note enthusiasts, sending the most and longest audio clips, while Baby Boomers are the least keen, with one in four calling them a “waste of time” and one in five saying they “can’t stand them.”
Researchers also found that people are more likely to listen to voice notes from family than work contacts.
Messages from mums (44%) and children (43%) are the most likely to be heard, while only 21% will play one from their boss and 15% from a colleague.
According to Talkmobile, patience for voice notes runs out at around three minutes and six seconds, the “sweet spot” for keeping someone’s attention. For Baby Boomers, it’s just two and a half minutes, while Gen Z listeners last a little longer at three minutes and 36 seconds.
‘Keep it short and snappy’
Stuart Wilson, spokesperson for Talkmobile, said: “A short, snappy voice note is the ideal way to get your message across – anything longer, just give them a call.”
“At Talkmobile, we believe conversation should be two-way. Whether it’s a WhatsApp, text or phone call, we’re here to keep people connected in real time.”
The study comes as seven billion WhatsApp voice notes are sent globally each day — but as Londoners prove, not everyone has the patience to listen to them all the way through.