WhatsApp is rolling out a new option in the form of the Keep in Chat feature. It allows users to prevent messages from entirely disappearing in a message thread. Users are able to hold down on a message so that it stays in the thread.
Although the person who sent the message will be notified of this and have the option to keep it in the chat or delete it when the timer runs out as per usual. A bookmark icon will show up right next to the saved messages and these can be accessed in a Kept Messages folder, which it is carefully organized by chat. The platform will be launching this feature gradually over the next few weeks.
Disappearing Chat Platform Features
WhatsApp is Rolling out the Keep in Chat Feature
Trend Themes
1. Longer-lasting Chat Messages - Opportunity for developers to enhance chat platforms with features that allow users to keep messages visible for longer periods of time within a chat thread.
2. Selective Chat Message Deletion - Opportunity for chat apps to implement features that allow users to selectively delete chat messages in a thread, while keeping others visible for longer periods of time.
3. Organized Kept Messages Folders - Opportunity for chat apps to create features that allow users to organize and easily access saved messages in a dedicated folder within a chat thread.
Industry Implications
1. Communication & Messaging Apps - Communication and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber have an opportunity to improve user engagement by implementing the trends identified in the article.
2. Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat could benefit from incorporating features that allow users to keep messages visible for longer periods of time and selectively delete messages.
3. Enterprise Collaboration Tools - Enterprise collaboration tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams can take inspiration from the disappearing chat platform trend and add features that allow users to control message visibility and deletion in group chats.