WhatsApp Launches the View Once Feature

Your videos and photos can now disappear after being viewed once!

WhatsApp has launched a new “View Once” feature. That is, users can view a media only once and then it will disappear. The recipient will be notified that the media sent by the sender- is “View Once” only. And the sender will be notified “Open” once it is opened. Here are a few points to note:

  • You cannot star, forward and save photos and videos that are sent as “view once.”
  • It could be restored from backup if the media was not open during the time of backup.

Don’t forget that although it is the view once, screenshots of the media can be taken. WhatsApp has clarified that someone can take a screen recording and a screenshot of view once media and the sender won’t be notified. So, it is better to use this feature with trusted individuals!

Features at a glance:

  • If the media is not opened within 14 days of sending it, it will automatically disappear.
  • Each time you want to send a view once media, you will have to select the option.
  • Media won’t be saved in the recipient’s gallery.
  • It cannot be viewed again.
  • You cannot forward or share view-once media.
  • If the view-once media was unopened at the backup time, it could be restored from the backup. If it was viewed, then it won’t be a part of the backup.

How to send view-once media?

While sending a view-once media, you can choose the “1” button next to the send button on its left. After the media is opened, it will be deleted.

Where can it be used?

WhatsApp said this could be useful- while sending confidential or sensitive information like Wi-Fi passwords, sharing pictures like trying new clothes in a store, or a reaction at the moment.