WhatsApp also allows you to send ephemeral messages, a good reason to leave Snapchat

Tested for several months, the ephemeral or single-view messages popularized by Snapchat are finally available on the latest beta version of WhatsApp. One more reason to stay on Facebook messaging.

While WhatsApp is barely recovering from the controversy over its new terms of use, instant messaging to two billion users continues to test and add new features, such as support for multi-media or even the possibility of modifying voice messages before sending them.

And this Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the WhatsApp teams are announcing the arrival of a highly anticipated feature in the latest beta version 2.21.14.3 of the application. These are obviously ephemeral or single-view messages, popularized by a certain Snapchat. The principle stays the same : images and videos sent using this function can only be opened once by the recipient. Additionally, there is no media preview.

WhatsApp copies Snapchat with ephemeral messages

A new icon, materialized by the number 1 surrounded, is now present in the send bar. Just press it to activate the “Single view” mode. A pop-up window will then appear to explain the principle if this is the first time you are using the feature. Note that your recipient will also be informed that the photo or video will disappear after opening.

Be careful, however, it should be remembered that this feature does not offer perfect security. The messages may disappear after a first viewing, your recipient may very well take a screenshot of the photo or video, or film it with another phone. In other words, still think twice before sending extremely sensitive data like military secrets or your Netflix password.

The function is currently available on the beta version 2.21.14.3 of the WhatsApp application. Note that your contact does not need to be on the same version to receive your ephemeral messages. Good, however, it will be necessary to be on a rather recent version of the app, under penalty of seeing the following warning: “You have received a message, but your version of the WhatsApp application does not support it ”. In this specific case, the user will be prompted to update their application.

Source: Android Police