How will WhatsApp's 'disappearing messages' feature work?

WhatsApp’s soon-to-be-launched ‘disappearing messages’ feature will make new messages sent in individual or group chats disappear after seven days.

Users will be able to send individual or group chat messages that disappear after seven days on the platform.

If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp in the seven-day period, the message will disappear. However, the preview of the message might still be displayed in notifications until WhatsApp is opened

Either user can turn disappearing messages on or off in individual chat, however, only admins can do so in groups. The option won’t be enabled by default and users will have to opt for it by tapping on the contact’s name.

In the case of received media, it will be automatically downloaded to photos and if disappearing messages are turned on, media sent in the chat will disappear, but will be saved on the phone assuming the phone’s auto-download is on.