WhatsApp’s Disappearing Messages feature is getting a new option which will allow you to keep certain messages in the chat from self-destructing upon expiry. Called Keep in Chat, users can save certain WhatsApp chats by tapping on the bookmark icon and it will remain there until it is deleted manually.
However, this feature requires consent from the sender of the message. If a receiver tries to keep a message by tapping on the bookmark icon, the sender will be notified and can decide whether to let the person keep it or have it deleted automatically once the Disappearing Messages timer expires. If permitted, the messages will be saved with a bookmark icon and can be viewed in the Kept Messages folder.
According to WhatsApp, this feature will be rolling out globally in the coming weeks. At the moment, users can set Disappearing messages in chats to self-destruct in 24 hours, seven days or 90 days. As spotted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp also appears to be introducing a new self-destruct feature for Groups soon which will help clean up dormant WhatsApp group chats that were created for short-term events and discussions.
