This hidden FaceTime feature is incredibly useful - and surprised my own family

I've been covering tech for years, but a recent conversation with my editor revealed a hidden FaceTime feature that even my own family wasn't aware of: video messages. It turns out that when you try to FaceTime someone and they don't answer, you can leave a video message - similar to a voicemail, but with video. My editor had spent the weekend showing two people how to use this feature, which got me wondering whether my husband or parents knew about it.

Spoiler alert: they didn't. So, I showed them how it works. Essentially, it's like leaving a video voicemail.

If you're trying to reach someone through FaceTime and they don't answer, you'll see an option to record a video message. To use this feature, you'll need a FaceTime-compatible Apple device. The recipient will also need to have a compatible device to receive the video message.

The feature only works if you're trying to initiate a FaceTime video call. If you try to make an audio call instead, there's a related feature called Live Voicemail. To start a FaceTime video call, open the FaceTime app, tap New Call, choose a contact, and select FaceTime.

If the person doesn't answer, you'll see the option to record a video message. Tap Record Video on the missed-call screen, and FaceTime will start a countdown before the recording begins. After recording the message, you can preview the video before sending it.

If it looks fine, send it. If there's a mistake, retake it. Make sure to tap the send button to actually send the video message when done.

The recipient will see a notification, and the video message will appear as a thumbnail in their FaceTime call history. To view a FaceTime video message, open FaceTime and look for it in the call history. Tap the video thumbnail to play it.

You can also find messages by tapping a person's name in FaceTime history, then checking Videos or Voicemails. This feature may not be available on all devices, such as Mac desktops.