WhatsApp, the messaging platform under the ownership of Facebook, has introduced a new feature called ‘View Once’ for its Beta version on Android. This feature allows users to send photos and videos that recipients can only view once. Similar to Snapchat, this feature has also been integrated into Facebook’s Instagram platform.

Availability and Usage of ‘View Once’ Mode

According to reports from WABetaInfo, this feature is compatible with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.21.14.3. Users on this version of WhatsApp beta for Android may receive the feature in a future update if they haven’t already.

Upon enabling the ‘View Once’ feature, users will notice a clock-like icon next to the ‘Add a caption…’ bar in the preview after selecting an image or video from their gallery. Once activated, the recipient can view the media only once. The sender will receive a notification when the media is opened, and it will automatically disappear once closed.

Screenshots shared in the report by WABetaInfo illustrate that upon opening the media, recipients will see a message stating, “This photo is set to view once. For more privacy, this photo will disappear after you close it.”

Additional Features and Considerations

According to the report, users who have disabled read receipts will not be able to see the status of the media they share. However, recipients can still view the status of any images they receive. Furthermore, there is no screenshot detection feature, allowing recipients to take screenshots without notifying the sender.

The ‘View Once’ feature is also functional in group chats, and senders can track who has opened the media by checking the Message Info. Even blocked contacts within groups can access the media shared using this feature.

Recipients who have not enabled the feature can still receive ‘View Once’ images, videos, or GIFs, which will disappear after they close them. However, users can only send ‘View Once’ media once they receive the feature themselves.

Platform Compatibility

Currently, the ‘View Once’ feature is exclusively available for Android beta testers. It is anticipated to be activated for iOS beta testers at a later date.