WhatsApp is working on a new disappearing-media feature called WhatsApp Zaps, which will let users share photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. The feature was spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.46.2.
Zaps are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing development of its Instants camera experience. The update adds more ways to share temporary media and interact with it directly inside conversations. Unlike a simple disappearing photo, recipients will also be able to react with emojis and send replies.
The feature is still under development and is not yet available to beta testers.
What Are WhatsApp Zaps?
Zaps are photos and videos captured through WhatsApp’s upcoming Instants camera. The idea is to make sharing spontaneous moments easier without leaving permanent media in a conversation.
WhatsApp initially developed Instants as a camera feature inspired by Instagram’s disappearing-media experience. Users would open it through a lightning-bolt button at the top of the Chats tab, capture a photo or video and share it with contacts.
With the latest development, WhatsApp appears to be refining the feature and using the name Zaps for the media users create. The name reflects the quick, temporary nature of these photos and videos.
Five Features Expected With WhatsApp Zaps
1. Sharing With More Contacts and Groups
One important change is the expansion of sharing options. Earlier development suggested that Instants would be limited to mutual contacts. The latest report indicates that users may be able to send Zaps to any contact and groups.
WABetaInfo also mentions possible channel sharing, although it is unclear whether this will be included in the initial release.
2. Emoji Reactions and Direct Replies
The recipient will be able to interact with the Zap after opening it. WhatsApp has been developing an interface where people will be able to react to the message using emojis and type a reply through the reply bar.
This feature will make the function more interactive compared to the simple viewing of disappearing photos or videos.
3. Multiple Zaps Grouped Together
WhatsApp has also been working on a better way of displaying multiple Zaps in conversations. When a person shares multiple Zaps in the same chat, they can appear as a single item.
For example, when two photos are shared, it will show “2 Zaps” instead of individual message items. When the item is tapped, the user will be able to see the shared items.
4. Zaps Are Gone After Viewing Them
Similar to the concept of the original Instants, Zaps are intended to disappear after the recipient opens them. However, the process of accessing the media by the sender and the recipient is different.
According to WABetaInfo, the sender will still be able to view their sent Zaps,
while the recipient will view them only once. Unlike other shared media files, Zaps will not appear in the chat information screen.
5. A Dedicated Viewing Interface
Upon opening a Zap, WhatsApp will present it in a dedicated viewing interface. The name of the sender will be shown at the bottom of it along with reaction and reply options.
In this way, Zaps will be different from usual photos and videos sent to a person and allow them to instantly respond to it.
WhatsApp Zaps vs View Once and Instagram Instants
WhatsApp currently provides a View Once service to send photos and videos. Then, what would be new about Zaps?
The primary distinction between the two services lies in their experience of usage. View Once is a feature used to send usual media with only one-time opening ability. Meanwhile, Zaps are anticipated to have a dedicated camera interface with spontaneous sharing of photos and videos with reactions and replies.
Instagram Instants also provides a somewhat similar camera interface to share temporary photos and videos. However, the WhatsApp version improves the idea by adding it directly to chats and group conversations.
Thus, Zaps do not provide disappearing media to WhatsApp for the first time but rather enhance the current experience of their usage.
When Will WhatsApp Zaps Be Available?
WhatsApp Zaps were found in Android beta version 2.26.46.2. Still, the feature is in development, and even beta testers cannot access it.
The company has not announced a release date for Zaps yet. They can also modify it until releasing it to Android and iOS users.