WhatsApp the instant messaging platform owned by Facebook, has rolled out the disappearing media feature called ‘View Once’ on its Beta version for Android.

This feature permits users to send photos and videos that the recipient can view only once. The feature has been borrowed from Snapchat and it is available on Instagram.

According to a report in WABetaInfo, this feature is compatible for users with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.21.14.3. Android users using this version and who have not experienced the feature may get it in a future update.

After the ‘View Once’ feature is enabled you will view a clock-like icon next to the ‘Add a caption…’ bar in the preview after selecting an image or video from your gallery. Once you choose this mode and send the media, the recipient can view it only once. 

The sender will receive a notification when the media is opened and it will disappear once it is closed. The ‘View Once’ feature will also operate in groups and the sender can find out who has opened the media by checking the Message Info.

As per the report, the users who have disabled read receipts will not be able to see the status of the media they share, while the recipients can see the status of any images they share. 

There is a possibility of taking a screenshot when the image is opened without the sender being notified as the feature does not come with screenshot detection.

Even blocked contacts in groups can view the media sent using this feature. Recipients, who do not have the feature enabled, can also receive ‘View Once’ images, videos or GIFs and it will disappear after they close it. 

One can only send ‘View Once’ media once you receive the feature.

The feature is only available for Android beta testers and it will be activated for iOS beta testers at a later date.