> Every COPY help article and guide is listed in [llms.txt](https://getcopy.app/llms.txt).

# COPY or iMessage voice messages?

You can already send audio in Messages.

COPY is for when you'd like a walkie talkie of your own, with your friends on the dial and a button to talk to them.

## A channel for the back and forth

In Messages, your audio sits alongside your texts, photos and links. If that's where you both talk, you can keep sending it there.

In COPY, you turn the dial to your friend and hold the button to talk. Let go to send. When they reply, their channel shows new messages. Tap it to hear them.

Matt and I wanted that to feel good to pick up. You can [choose a device](https://getcopy.app/help/switch-devices) that changes the look, sounds and controls. Your friends stay on the dial when you change it.

## Give one friend a channel

1. You both get COPY on iPhone. Tap an empty channel and choose **A friend**.
2. Send them the invite link in your existing conversation. Once they join, turn to their channel.
3. Hold the button, say what you wanted to tell them, and let go. They open COPY to listen and send one back.

Talking is free over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Your friend can listen later; you don't have to arrange a call. You can leave the address and the link you promised them in Messages.

## What you want to keep

Messages lets you keep audio in the conversation. Its default two-minute expiry removes the copy on your own phone; the other person can keep theirs. You can also set audio messages to never expire.

COPY deletes a message after everyone has played it, or after seven days. COPY Club adds a ten-minute replay window after listening. A recording you want to hear again next year belongs somewhere you can save it.

## Sources

- [Apple: Audio messages in Messages](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/send-and-receive-audio-messages-iph2e42d3117/ios)

Last updated October 16, 2026. Web page: https://getcopy.app/guides/imessage-voice-messages-alternative