WhatsApp Introduces ‘View Once’ Feature for Disappearing Images

WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature called ‘View Once’ for its Android beta users, allowing them to send photos and videos that can be viewed only once by the recipient. This feature, similar to Snapchat’s functionality, enhances privacy and adds an ephemeral touch to media sharing on the platform.

Adoption of Disappearing Media

The ‘View Once’ feature is part of WhatsApp’s effort to integrate disappearing media into its messaging platform. Snapchat pioneered this concept, and Facebook’s Instagram has also adopted similar functionalities.

Compatibility and Availability

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the ‘View Once’ feature is compatible with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.21.14.3. Users on this version who have not received the feature yet may expect it in future updates.

How ‘View Once’ Mode Works

Once the ‘View Once’ feature is enabled, users will notice a clock-like icon next to the ‘Add a caption…’ bar when selecting an image or video from their gallery. After sending media in this mode, recipients can view it only once. The sender receives a notification upon opening, and the media disappears after being closed.

Privacy and Notifications

Users who have disabled read receipts won’t see the status of the media they share. However, recipients can view the status of the media they receive. The feature doesn’t include screenshot detection, allowing recipients to take screenshots without notifying the sender.

Group Functionality and Recipient Experience

The ‘View Once’ feature extends to group chats as well. Senders can track who has opened the media through Message Info. Even blocked contacts in groups can access ‘View Once’ media. Recipients without the feature can also receive and view such media, which vanishes after closing.

Platform Availability

Currently, the ‘View Once’ feature is exclusive to Android beta testers. WhatsApp plans to activate this feature for iOS beta testers in the future, expanding its availability across platforms.

With the introduction of ‘View Once’ mode, WhatsApp aims to offer users a secure and privacy-focused option for sharing media while embracing the trend of disappearing content seen in popular social media platforms.