WhatsApp introducing disappearing messages for users

You will soon be able to make your WhatsApp messages disappear automatically after seven days. 

WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, announced on Thursday (Nov 5) that it would be rolling out the feature for its users progressively in November.

As part of this new feature, messages sent within the designated chat will self-erase after seven days. By doing this, WhatsApp says it will help the conversation “feel lighter and more private”.

“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,” WhatsApp added in a blog post.

While the setting will not impact previously sent messages in a thread, it will vary from chat-to-chat. 

For instance, either person can turn disappearing messages on or off in a one-to-one chat. Similarly, only group admins are allowed to do the same. 

Used by more than two billion people globally, this move comes after WhatsApp lost ground to younger audiences to rivals like Snapchat and Tiktok. Previously, Facebook had also introduced a similar option for its Messenger platform.

To find out more about the disappearing message feature, click here.