WhatsApp Enhances Chat Functionality with New Pin Messages Feature

Highlights

• Pin any message in individual or group chats for easy access.
• Set a timer for pinned messages with options for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
• Only one message can be pinned at a time in each chat.
• Feature available across Android, iOS, desktop, and web versions of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp has now upgraded the app with the ability to pin messages within chats.

The Meta-owned platform has been working towards providing more control over chat interactions and this new functionality is a step in the right direction.

Here’s a detailed look at this new feature and how it can be utilized effectively.

Pinned Messages on WhatsApp: How Does it Work?

As part of its latest update, WhatsApp is allowing users to pin specific messages in both individual and group chats.

This feature is especially useful for keeping track of crucial information without having to scroll through the entire chat history.

The process of pinning a message is straightforward.

• Once the feature is available on your device, simply long-press the desired message in any chat.
• A menu will appear with various options, including the new ‘Pin’ option. 
• Selecting this will pin the message to the top of the chat, making it easily accessible.

WhatsApp has also incorporated a timer functionality for pinned messages. By default, a pinned message will stay at the top for 7 days.

However, users have the flexibility to alter this duration to either 24 hours or 30 days, depending on their preference.

After the set period, the message will be unpinned automatically. Users also have the option to unpin a message manually before the timer runs out.

Additional Functionalities and Privacy Features

The pinned messages feature supports all types of messages, including text, images, videos, and even polls.

It’s important to note that only one message can be pinned at a time in a chat.

For group chats, WhatsApp has provided group admins the ability to pin messages that are only visible to other admins.

Availability Across Platforms

The new pinned messages feature is being released in a phased manner, so it might take a while to be available on every device.

WhatsApp advises users to keep their app updated to the latest version to access this feature.

It is available across all platforms, including Android, iOS, desktop, and web versions of WhatsApp.

Other Recent WhatsApp Features

In addition to the pinned messages, WhatsApp has been rolling out other innovative features.

Last week, the app introduced ‘View Once’ audio messages, allowing users to send audio clips that disappear after being played once.

This feature complements the existing ‘View Once’ functionality for photos and videos, providing an additional layer of privacy for sensitive information.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp also launched a ‘Secret Code’ feature, enabling users to hide specific chats from the main chat list.

These hidden chats can be accessed by entering a designated secret code in the search bar, offering a discreet way to manage private conversations.

Apart from that WhatsApp Status is also getting the ability to be shared on Instagram stories while the latter’s feature of a username is being brought to WhatsApp.

FAQs

How does the new pin messages feature enhance WhatsApp usability?

WhatsApp’s newly introduced pin messages feature significantly improves chat management by allowing users to highlight crucial messages in any conversation. By pinning a message, it remains at the top of the chat, ensuring important information is readily accessible without scrolling.

This functionality is particularly useful in busy group chats or lengthy individual conversations where vital messages might otherwise get lost in the influx of texts.

Can I pin more than one message in a chat on WhatsApp?

Currently, WhatsApp allows only one message to be pinned per chat. This limitation ensures that the feature is used for highlighting the most critical message in a conversation.

If a new message is pinned, the previous one automatically gets unpinned. This feature maintains the simplicity and effectiveness of chat management without cluttering the top of the conversation.

Are there any privacy considerations with the pin messages feature on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp maintains its standard privacy protocols with the pin messages feature. In group chats, admins have the option to pin messages visible only to other admins, adding an extra layer of control and privacy.

For individual chats, the pinned message is only visible to the people in the conversation, adhering to WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy.

What other recent features has WhatsApp introduced alongside pinning messages?

Alongside the pin messages feature, WhatsApp has recently launched several other functionalities to enhance user experience.

These include ‘View Once’ audio messages that disappear after a single play, offering a secure way to share sensitive information.

The ‘Secret Code’ feature allows users to hide specific chats from the main chat list, accessible only through a secret code.

What is WhatsApp’s New View Once Voice Message Feature?

WhatsApp’s latest update introduces the View Once voice message feature, allowing users to send audio messages that disappear after being listened to once. This feature is designed for sharing sensitive information with added security.

How Can You Identify and Use View Once Voice Messages on WhatsApp?

View Once voice messages are marked with a distinct “one-time” icon. Users can send these messages by recording their audio in the chat, tapping the ‘1’ icon, and sending it. The message will automatically vanish after a single listen.

What Privacy Measures Does WhatsApp Ensure with This New Feature?

Consistent with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy, View Once voice messages provide a secure way to share private information.

The messages remain encrypted, ensuring only the intended recipient can listen to them once.

What is the ‘View Once’ feature on WhatsApp?

The ‘View Once’ feature on WhatsApp lets users send photos and videos that can be viewed only once by the recipient. After being opened, these media files disappear from the chat and are not saved.

On which platforms is the ‘View Once’ feature now available?

Initially available on WhatsApp’s mobile version, the ‘View Once’ feature has now been extended to desktop and web platforms, including WhatsApp Web, Windows, and macOS.

How can users access the ‘View Once’ feature on WhatsApp’s desktop version?

To use the ‘View Once’ feature on WhatsApp’s desktop version, users need to select the ‘View Once’ icon located above the send button after capturing a photo or video. This ensures the media is sent in a single-view mode.

Are there any privacy concerns with the ‘View Once’ feature?

While the ‘View Once’ feature enhances privacy by ensuring photos and videos disappear after viewing, recipients can still capture the content through screenshots or screen recordings. It’s important to be mindful of this when using the feature.

What is another new feature that WhatsApp is developing for iPhone users?

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow iPhone users to share their audio while screen-sharing during video calls. This feature enables participants in a video call to listen to video and music audio together in real-time.

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