In August 2021, WhatsApp implemented the function of sending multimedia content such as single-view photos and videos, that is, we can only see it once. A feature that came so we can share moments without leaving a digital record permanent and also as a way to preserve space on our devices, since photos and videos usually take up a lot of storage memory.
Seeing that the single view function was going well, WhatsApp decided to implement it also for send voice messages. So, the range of possibilities was expanded. Now we can decide which content we send to our contacts remains confidential and which does not.
What is single visualization and how does it work?
As we mentioned in the introduction to this post, the "single view" function in WhatsApp allows you to send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed once. A feature that can be used to share sensitive or private content securely, as content sent using this option does not save to the recipient's Photos or Gallery sections and cannot be forwarded, shared or copied. Much less is it possible to take screenshots or screen recordings of these files. But, keep in mind that there is always a chance that someone uses another device to capture the content before it disappears.
If you don't know how to use this function, below we explain how through this step by step.
How to send photos and videos on WhatsApp to see once
- Enter the individual or group conversation where you want to send the photo or video.
- Click on the attach icon (it has the shape of a paper clip).
- Choose the file source:
Camera- Take a new photo or record a video on the spot.
Gallery- Select a photo or video that already exists on your device. - Click the single view icon (represented by a number "1" in a circle surrounding it). This will turn green to indicate that the mode is activated.
- Send the file clicking on the arrow icon.
- When the recipient views the file, you'll receive confirmation that the content was opened.
How to send single view voice messages
We also told you at the beginning of this article that WhatsApp has implemented single display for voice messages. To send this type of content, do this:
- Enter the individual or group chat where you want to send the voice message.
- Record the message:
- Press the microphone to start recording.
- Swipe up to record hands-free.
- Click on the single display button. The icon will turn green, indicating that the mode is activated.
- Send the voice message.
As with photos and videos, you will receive a confirmation when the recipient has heard the voice message, as long as they have read receipts activated.
How to open multimedia files and messages on WhatsApp to view once
If you're the one they sent view-once content to and you want to see it, what you need to do is:
- Enter the single display message to open the photo, video or voice message.
- After you have seen or listened to the content, it will disappear from the chat.
The view-only files you received will not be saved to your gallery and you won't be able to see them again once you exit the program that plays them.
To take into account ...
- The single display option must be selected every time that you send a file of this type.
- To see if a recipient has opened a view-only file, the recipient must have the read receipts enabled.
- Now WhatsApp prevents screenshots, but that does not rule out that recipients can use other devices to capture content.
- Send single-view photos, videos or voice messages only to people you completely trust.
- Encrypted media files may be temporarily stored on WhatsApp servers.
- If a recipient decides to report a file, this will be sent to WhatsApp for review.