WhatsApp to Introduce ‘View Once’ Messages Soon

A recent report by WABetaInfo which was sighted by TheGhanaTech.com suggests that WhatsApp is developing the option to send ‘View Once’ text messages similar to sending images and videos of the same category. With this, the text messages will vanish just after being viewed, much like it happens on Snapchat too.

There will be a new option next to the text bar with a lock logo. This button will be for you to send ‘View Once’ messages. The feature will help you send sensitive information without having to keep it in the chat.

It is revealed that the new feature can’t be forwarded or copied. The same can’t be done for ‘View Once’ media. There’s a high chance that the ability to take a screenshot will also be blocked. To recall, WhatsApp recently announced the screenshot-blocking feature for ‘View Once’ photos and videos.

Currently, you have a couple of options for keeping your text messages hidden, but both may not pass muster for privacy-minded users. If you want your messages to auto-delete, you can enable disappearing messages that vanish after 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days. However, these messages still auto-save to phones by default even after they delete from chats.

Now, you should note that there’s a difference between ‘View Once’ and disappearing messages. While ‘View Once’ messages vanish immediately after being consumed, the disappearing messages on WhatsApp can stay for a longer time (up to 90 days). Plus, they can be forwarded too and a screenshot isn’t restricted.

Since the ‘View Once’ mode for text messages is currently under development, there’s no word on when and if it will reach users, both beta and stable. This feature is also expected to see some changes once it gets stable. We expect more information on this soon and it’s likely to be unveiled soon too.