WhatsApp has taken its “View Once” feature to the next level by extending it to voice messages, introducing what we could call the “Hear Once” option. This exciting update, initially launched for photos and videos in August 2021, now allows users to send voice messages that disappear after being heard.
“Hear Once” feature allows users to send voice messages that can only be listened to once by the recipient. Once played, the message cannot be replayed or saved, maintaining a level of privacy and transient communication. Equally important, the sender loses the ability to revisit the audio message after dispatch.
Notably, the recipient gets a clear signal with an “Opened” label when the voice message is played. However, this only happens if the recipient has read receipts enabled, adding an extra layer to the interaction.
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Using the “Hear Once” feature is a breeze. Whether you’re chatting one-on-one or in a group, initiate the process by tapping the microphone. Swipe up to lock the recording, press and hold the record button, and activate the View Once mode with a tap on the green icon. Once satisfied, hit send, and your audio gem is on its way. WhatsApp ensures the security of these voice snippets through default end-to-end encryption, maintaining user privacy.
The global rollout of “Hear Once” is set to kick off in the coming days. If your WhatsApp hasn’t caught wind of the update yet, it could be due to regional variations in the release schedule or if you’re using outdated software that tends to lag behind in updates. Stay tuned for this exciting evolution in voice messaging!
