WhatsApp continues its evolution, introducing a new feature to enhance user experience. On Friday (Dec 8), the messaging giant unveiled details about its latest feature: the capability for users to send voice messages that automatically disappear after being played.

This View Once feature, initially implemented for photos and videos in 2021, is now extended to audio messages, reinforcing the platform's commitment to privacy. These voice messages cannot be forwarded, saved, or starred, ensuring heightened privacy for sensitive content, such as sharing credit card details. However, this also means that the trace of potentially incriminating voice messages will vanish once this functionality becomes widespread on smartphones globally.

WhatsApp emphasizes that recipients have a 14-day window to open and view a View Once photo, video, or audio message. After this period, the message automatically expires and disappears from the chat. For additional security, unopened View Once media and voice messages can be restored from backups.

Once opened, the content won't be included in backups and cannot be restored. Furthermore, users are restricted from taking screenshots of View Once media, adding an extra layer of protection.

Similar to its visual counterparts, View Once audio messages will feature a distinct one-time icon, signifying that they can only be played once.

To send a View Once audio message, users need to choose the View Once option when sending a voice message. This involves opening an individual or group chat, tapping the microphone, swiping up to lock the recording, holding down the record button, and selecting the View Once icon before sending.

The global rollout of View Once audio messages on WhatsApp is imminent, promising users an additional layer of privacy for their disappearing voice messages.

To summarize the steps for sending a View Once audio message:

1.Open an individual or group chat
2.Tap the microphone
3.Swipe up to lock the recording
4.Tap and hold the record
5.Select View Once. When the icon turns green, you're in View Once mode
6.Tap send. Recipients with read messages enabled will show an opened receipt in the chat when they've played your View Once media or voice message.