Brits have swapped text messages for voice notes, but while many love the personal touch not everyone enjoys receiving them.Ruby Copp13:59, 21 May 2026One in five Britons now opt for voice notes over text messages – with the typical recording running for nearly two minutes. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed those who use this method send an average of 21 voice notes a week.‌Best mates are most likely to receive these audio messages, with voice notes sent to a closest friend typically running three and a half minutes longer than the average. Meanwhile, Gen Z are the biggest contributors.‌For 29%, recording a voice note feels more natural than typing when communicating with close pals. According to the research, voice notes enable people to express themselves more freely and make conversations feel more intimate.‌They are also seen as a much simpler and faster way to convey lengthy messages, while allowing people to juggle other tasks.To celebrate the chaotic joy of the voice note, Twix is launching Harmoniser, which lets users record voice notes in a harmonised tone, designed to make those dramatic debriefs even more entertaining.‌Laura O'Neill, a spokesperson for the chocolate bar said: "Voice notes are firmly ingrained in bestie culture as the perfect way to stay connected to those closest to you."We know how much best friends rely on the daily voice-recorded updates, so we wanted to dial up the chat with a little personality."Twix Harmoniser is here to transform the everyday voice note into something twice as entertaining and bring a unique touch of fun to elevate the daily chat."‌Nearly half (45%) admitted they frequently veer off on tangents bearing little relation to the initial purpose of the message. In fact, 34% routinely press record for matters that don't warrant audio – from commentating on their trip to the shops to describing their evening meal.More than a third (36%) see voice notes as the ultimate low-effort way of communicating when something needs explaining properly, and a quarter rely on them to make sure their tone comes across correctly. This can help avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications, making it easier for people to show how they're really feeling.Of those who message their best mate with audio updates, 36% said it's because they understand their humour best, and 28% trust them to actually listen all the way through. What's more, 7% record 10 or more voice notes every single day to their best buddy.Article continues belowYet the research, carried out via OnePoll, also exposed how voice notes can frustrate those receiving them.More than a quarter become irritated when a message takes too long to reach the point, or find it frustrating when they need to hunt for headphones to listen in public.Another 14% revealed they get wound up when a friend clearly gets distracted halfway through recording.