Facebook is diving into ephemeral messaging. After debuting self-erasing media and texts on Messenger and Instagram, the social big is rolling out an analogous characteristic on WhatsApp. Starting at the moment, the app’s beta testers on Android have begun to obtain a “View Once” mode that wipes photographs and movies as quickly as you view and dismiss them. You’ll know when you’ve got entry to the brand new characteristic for those who see a devoted button (that appears like a timer) within the caption enter subject, based on the specialists at WABetaInfo. 

Not to be confused with WhatsApp’s disappearing messages — which delete inside seven days — photographs and video despatched utilizing view as soon as mode are single-use solely and vanish after you shut them. You’ll get a notification as soon as your media has been considered. 

Despite the added sheen of privateness, there are some quirks you ought to be conscious of earlier than leaping in. As famous by WABetaInfo, disabling learn receipts will not cease others from being notified if a view as soon as message has been opened — although, you will not see when a recipient open yours. In teams, you can see when members have opened disappearing media even when you’ve got learn receipts disabled. 

Also, there’s nothing stopping individuals from screenshotting your message with out you discovering out. View as soon as apparently nonetheless works for those who ship a message to somebody who would not have entry to the characteristic. Those on iOS will reportedly get the brand new mode at a later date.

Facebook introduced the characteristic in June on the heels of its divisive WhatsApp privateness coverage replace. The tech big was compelled to delay the brand new guidelines to mid-May from early February following an outcry over its entry to extra consumer knowledge. Facebook additionally later backtracked on its resolution to restrict WhatsApp options for individuals who did not settle for the modifications. The firm has beforehand painted ephemeral messaging as a method to encourage extra genuine and intimate conversations.