20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brits blighted by Voice Note Fatigue as ‘quick' messages turn into podcasts
People saw voice notes as an easy way to communicate without having to type on mobile phones but now a growing number want to see them banned after becoming tired of them
Brits feel they are now blighted by Voice Note Fatigue as the 'quick' messages from friends have turned into full-scale podcasts. It started as a quick and easy way to stay in touch but Brits are so fed up with voice notes that some even want to see them banned.
As many as six in ten (62%) claim they have experienced Voice Note Fatigue (VNF) with 44% listening to them at double speed just to get through them faster, according to new research. While length is an issue for one in three, other frustrations include mumbling, filler words and multi-part voice note epics.
Most people would like them capped at two minutes but 14% want them banned altogether, according to the survey by Sky Mobile. Ironically, while most moan about receiving voice notes, we can't stop sending them.
Almost three quarters (73%) admit they love recording them, describing them as quicker, more expressive, and easier than typing. Brits also use them because it's easy to send a message hands-free (76%), they feel like a phone call without the pressure (68%) and are more efficient (65%).
Ben Case, managing director of connectivity at Sky, said: "Voice notes began as a quick shortcut, but now they're turning into podcasts!
'Whichever way our customers choose to communicate, with Sky Mobile they'll enjoy flexible data plans and 99% coverage, so people can stay connected in a way that suits them."
The Voice Note Etiquette Guide
Do
Keep it brief: Aim for a maximum of two minutes and remember people don't have time for a podcast
Be clear and to the point: Rambling and filler worlds are major turn-offs. Get to the point quickly
Be aware of background noise: Nobody want to hear your dog barking or train announcements
Speak clearly and enthusiastically: Muffled audio and monotone delivery make it hard to engage with your message
Don't
Send endless voice note chains: Multiple short messages create notification overload and can be frustrating to listen to
Send overly long voice notes: Anything over five minutes is pushing it!
Monologue message: Acknowledge the recipient and engage in a two-way conversation
