On the lines of Instagram and Snapchat’s ‘expiring media feature’, WhatsApp has rolled out a new disappearing feature for photos and videos. Users can send ‘View Once’ photos and videos through the messaging app, and the recipient will only see it once.
How it works
The feature, called View Once, will let photos and videos disappear from the chat after they have been seen. When you send a photo using this feature, then it will disappear once the receiver opens it and leaves the chat. But, you will have to select View Once media each time you want to send a view once photo or video. Keep reading to know more.
Can a user save it ?
WhatsApp has confirmed that any photo or video you send using the ‘View Once’ feature will not be saved to the recipient’s Photos or Gallery. Once you send a View Once photo or video, WhatsApp won’t be able to show it again.
New feature alert!
You can now send photos and videos that disappear after they’ve been opened via View Once on WhatsApp, giving you more control over your chats privacy! pic.twitter.com/Ig5BWbX1Ow
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 3, 2021
Can one take a Screenshot ?
WhatsApp allows anyone to take a screenshot or screen recording of the media before it disappears. However, the sender will not get a notification if the receiver takes a screenshot or uses screen recording, unlike Snapchat that notifies users.
Other Traits
If you don’t open the photo or video within 14 days of it being sent, the media will expire from the chat. However, one will be able to restore the ‘View once media’ from backup if the message remains unread at the time of backup.
