WhatsApp’s latest feature it’s working on is self-destructing messages. While the function may be new for WhatsApp, it is already available on several apps.
WhatsApp could get more enjoyable with the two new features it is currently working on. ‘Disappearing Messages or Self Destructing messages’ as the name suggests self-destructing messages in chats or groups. This feature is now being tested in the alpha stage of the WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s Disappearing Messages (Self Destructing) feature lets users keep a time interval like 5 seconds, 1 hour, and even a week. Messages will self destruct after the time interval has passed. Although, this feature is currently only available in group chats only.
Here is the list of apps that already offer self-destructing messaging features.
Telegram
It’s no surprise that Telegram has the self-destructing messages considering the app’s reputation of being very secure and very, very private. This feature is available only under ‘Secret Chats,’ where users can send disappearing messages as well as photos, videos, and even files.
Signal
Another popular private messaging app is Signal. In this app, users can choose different time interval message for different chats on the app. Signal also shows a timer icon just below the message for both the user.
Wickr
In this app, Messages, photos, videos, audio, and video files disappear after a short time. Wickr app comes with two auto-destruct features – message expiration and burn-on-read, i.e., messages will be deleted after the user has seen it.
Bleep
Bleeps also offer disappearing messages feature, which is available through ‘whisper’ mode. Using this feature, messages will self-destruct 25 seconds after the receiver reads it. Bleep even lets users start chatting on the app without having to create an account.
Snapchat
There is no option to choose any self-destructing messages on Snapchat as the app doesn’t keep any history of chats. Snapchat automatically deletes ‘Snaps’ after the recipient has read it. As for unopened conversations, or you may call it Snaps, they also disappear 30 days after it has been sent.