Catching on to the trend of ephemeral online content, WhatsApp is now allowing users to enable disappearing messages.
The “Disappearing Messages” feature has started rolling out today on Android, iOS, and Linux-based KaiOS devices, as well as WhatsApp’s Web and Desktop incarnations. The option can be enabled by either person within individual chats, and group admins can enable it in group chats.
There’s no way to change the length of time before the messages are scrubbed; Facebook’s WhatsApp says seven days is ideal for ephemeral content.
“We’re starting with 7 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,” wrote the company. “The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t.”
To turn on disappearing messages in WhatsApp on Android or iOS devices, tap on a contact’s name and then tap disappearing messages. You can then tap Continue when prompted to select On. Follow those same steps when you want to turn the setting off.
More information is available here, and WhatsApp said the feature will roll out globally this month.
