WhatsApp, in 2021, introduced View Once messages for text, photos, and videos. Now, the Meta-owned messaging platform is extending this feature to include voice messages. This update allows users to send voice messages that automatically vanish after the recipient listens to them. Similar to View Once photos and videos, these voice messages will be adorned with the “one-time” icon and can only be played once. The global rollout of View Once voice messages will occur in the coming days.
Meta announced the integration of View Once voice messages on Thursday (December 7) through a blog post. This feature is designed for users to share sensitive information, plan surprises, and transmit confidential details like credit card information and streaming app credentials without worrying about them being recorded or shared. The “one-time” icon will mark these disappearing voice messages, emphasizing their single-play nature.
WhatsApp positions View Once as a manifestation of the company’s ongoing commitment to privacy innovation. Just like the disappearing photos and videos, the self-destructing voice messages on WhatsApp boast default end-to-end encryption. The global rollout of View Once voice messages is scheduled to take place over the next few days.
To send a View Once voice message on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Open a chat window on WhatsApp.
- Tap and hold the microphone icon in the bottom-right corner of the chatbox.
- Swipe up to lock the recording and tap and hold to record your message.
- Tap the stylized View Once icon.
- Tap Send once you’ve finished recording your message.
After the recipient listens to the voice clip, it will disappear from the chat, replaced with text indicating “opened.” If the recipient does not open the message within 14 days, it will vanish. Additionally, users cannot forward, save, star, or share voice messages that were sent or received with View Once media enabled.
