WhatsApp continues to work on disappearing messages with its most extreme version yet: View Once messages à la Snapchat.
Instead of having to choose between 24 hours and 90 days for a message to disappear forever, these texts will delete themselves immediately upon opening. These texts also cannot be forwarded to another user or copied to a device. And according to WABetaInfo, which found the upcoming feature, there will be a slightly different icon for these messages: an arrow with a lock on it. At this point, it’s unknown what the update will do for taking screenshots of View Once messages. WABetaInfo can’t confirm whether taking screenshots is blocked or not as the feature is still in beta, but since this is part of WhatsApp owner Meta’s efforts to support user privacy, chances are this is will be a function.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because WhatsApp added the same image and video feature earlier this year. It’s worth noting that you can actually screenshot and screen capture this particular type of View Once media, plus you won’t be notified if the recipient does.
View Once messages are part of the WhatsApp for Android version 2.22.25.20 beta, which you can download from the Google Play Beta Program. You just need to sign up for the program (note that it may take a few hours before you are allowed to download the app). Don’t get too attached to the current design, as beta designs are often subject to change.
As for WhatsApp on iOS receiving View Once messages, there’s no mention of an App Store beta, but we can’t imagine a scenario where iPhone users don’t get this feature at some point.
Beyond basic function
The View Once posts ties into the current theme of WhatsApp’s recent updates: take one feature and make it bigger by expanding it beyond the basic feature.
For starters, you and a thousand of your friends can come together in the new Communities feature (an extension of WhatsApp Groups), which allows users to join multiple groups on a specific topic, such as what university you attended. Plus, it’s a convenient way to stay up to date with current events in your area. Another notable update is the new and improved self-messaging feature – now more streamlined as you don’t have to open a new chat room.
Meta has made strides in improving WhatsApp security and encryption, but it never hurts to double down. A few weeks ago, Best Product updated its best authentication apps for 2022, allowing you to add a second layer of protection for your accounts.