WhatsApp update will let users send disappearing messages like Instagram and Snapchat

Users will be able to send images, videos, and GIFs that disappear in the recipient’s phone once they change apps or leave the chat window

( Pixabay License )

WhatsApp is experimenting with disappearing messages similar to Snapchat and Instagram.

The Facebook-owned messaging app is working on a feature called “Expiring Media”, which is apparently an extension of an “Expiring Messages” feature.

Users will be able to send images, videos, and GIFs that disappear in the recipient’s phone once they change apps or leave the chat window.

A new button, which looks like a circle with a number in it, can be tapped to enable the feature.

It will appear next to the existing media button.

The number does not relate to any timer, however; unlike Snapchat, where a countdown can be set, the mode is either turned on or off.

It is currently unclear whether WhatApp will show a notification if the other user screenshots the disappearing image as Snapchat does.

The new feature, which was discovered by WaBetaInfo, has reportedly been submitted into the beta app for WhatsApp on the Google Play Store.

WhatsApp has repeatedly said that it does not comment on rumoured features.

As well as this, it is also expected that the new updates for the app will also include the ability to use the same account on multiple devices on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.

Messages will reportedly sync between devices and be end-to-end encrypted.

It also reported that WhatsApp is releasing new features to help users manage their storage better.

The feature, called Storage Usage, will reportedly have a storage bar showing how much storage is being taken up by ‘WhatsApp Media’ and a section that allows users to easily delete large files from their device.