Methods, systems, and computer program products for using a mobile device to compose an electronic message by adding audio content to the message. Mobile devices include any type of portable or hand-held computing device, such as wireless telephones, personal digital assistants, and the like. After selecting the option to add audio content, the user speaks into the mobile device's audio input. The mobile device diverts the resulting audio stream into a temporary storage as the user speaks. To provide visual feedback, a progress indicator shows the user the amount of audio content stored compared to the amount that may be stored. An indicator shows that a message includes audio content as well as the size of the included audio content. No particular format or type is required for the audio content or electronic message.