WhatsApp tests 24-hour disappearing messages and media-destruct features

WHATSAPP is testing a new option that will automatically delete messages after 24 hours. At the same time, the developers of the application are working on a disappearing photos and videos feature like the one made famous by Snapchat.

Last year, WhatsApp launched a feature called "Disappearing Messages," which made messages automatically vanish after seven days. Now, the Facebook-owned company is testing a new option that will give messages an even shorter lifespan of just 24 hours.

Like its predecessor, the new 24-hour feature, which has been spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta by WABetaInfo, will be available as an additional setting. A rollout to Android, iOS and WhatsApp Web users is expected soon, however, no information has been disclosed as to the official release date.

To enable the option, users will need to open the chatbox for a contact on the app, and then tap on the contact's name. Thereafter they simply have to scroll down to the Disappearing Messages option and turn it on.

At the same time, WhatsApp is also developing a media-destruct feature, which will automatically wipe photos and videos after a fixed period has elapsed. The feature is expected to be offered to Android users first.