WhatsApp message notifications does not playout

I have been trying to get sound alerts for whatsapp when my phone is locked and I have my AirPods connected. I don't know when I get new messages as it does not play any sound notifications. But does when the phone is unlocked.

I tried using Samsung airbuds and it worked normal but didn't for either AirPods or Beats.

I have reset, changed, re-installed whatsapp and no joy.

I would have just continued using the Samsung airbuds but those don't read out messages which is another feature I need as I get a lot of work related messages.

Please help.