WhatsApp to Introduce Media Type Deletion, Protecting Favorite Messages
Berlin – WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature allowing users to selectively delete media types - images, videos, and now voice messages – within chats, streamlining chat management and addressing a long-standing user request. The update, currently available on Android beta versions, will not permanently remove favorited messages, even when the corresponding media type is purged.
The messenger only lists the types of media that actually appear in the chat. For example, documents or stickers can also appear as a possibility if they have been sent.
Particularly important messages can be protected by marking them as favorites with a star. These starred messages will not be removed even if the respective media type is deleted. To do this, users press and hold a message and select the star symbol in the context menu. Deleting favorite messages requires a seperate option within the delete menu,ensuring they aren’t accidentally removed.
This innovation is particularly beneficial for voice messages.While images and videos have long been selectively removable, voice messages have not. Many users maintain extensive chat histories comprised primarily of voice messages, making cleanup difficult. The combination of selective deletion and the favorites function allows users to retain personal voice messages while removing less critically important everyday communications.
The rollout timeframe for the feature to all WhatsApp users is currently uncertain, typically taking “at least a few weeks” after initial beta releases. The feature is not yet in the beta phase for iPhones,perhaps extending the wait for iOS users.However,WhatsApp has occasionally released features quickly,as seen with the recent Apple Watch version,which launched shortly after its beta availability.
