WhatsApp launches ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature

Image by HeikoAL

WhatsApp has announced that it would be rolling out ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature, which enables the user to create ephemeral messages that will be deleted after seven days, through an update during this month. The feature which first appeared last month through a WhatsApp beta version allows the user to enable an option on individual or group chats that deletes the messages after seven days, an ndtv report said.

According to WhatsApp, the face-book owned company, the new feature has started rolling out today and will be available for the 2-billion plus users during this month. All the Android, iOS, and Linux-based KaiOS devices have the access to the new feature along with WhatsApp Web and Desktop platforms, by the end of this month.

The WhatsApp said in a statement that the goal is “to make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn’t have to stick around forever”.

“That’s why we’re excited to introduce the option to use disappearing messages on WhatsApp. When the ‘disappearing messages’ feature is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after 7 days, helping the conversation feel lighter and more private,” it said in a statement.

“We’re starting with seven days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t,” it explained.

WhatsApp had earlier published the details of the feature on its  FAQ page,