WhatsApp is closer to the launch of the disappearing messages feature. The messaging app posted about the feature on its FAQ page which suggests that the feature will be available soon. As the name suggests, the disappearing messages will disappear after a recipient has read it. The time frame can be selected by users on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp was long-rumored to be working on the disappearing messages feature. Several times the traces of the feature was spotted in the beta updates.
Explaining users about disappearing messages, WhatsApp on its FAQ page wrote, "You can send messages that disappear on WhatsApp by enabling disappearing messages. Once enabled, new messages sent in the individual or group chat will disappear after seven days. The most recent selection controls all messages in the chat. This setting won’t affect messages you previously sent or received in the chat. In an individual chat, either user can turn disappearing messages on or off. In a group chat, only group admins can turn disappearing messages on or off.
WhatsApp also listed some of the features of the disappearing messages. It says that the disappearing message will not be visible if a user does not open WhatsApp in seven days. However, the preview of the message might still be displayed in notifications until the messaging app is opened.
If a user forwards a disappearing message to a chat with disappearing messages off, the message would not disappear in the forwarded chat. If the user manages to create a backup before sending a disappearing message it would appear in the backup.Another way to save the message from disappearing is by taking a screenshot and saving it before it goes. Users can only copy and save content from the disappearing message. However, if nothing else works, users can click the picture of the message from another camera and save it.
Coming to the media in disappearing messages, WhatsApp says that “media you receive in WhatsApp will be automatically downloaded to your photos. If disappearing messages are turned on, media sent in the chat will disappear but will be saved on the phone if auto-download is on. You can turn auto-download off in WhatsApp Settings > Data and Storage Usage.”