WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new feature called Recent Media Suggestions to make sharing photos and videos easier. The functionality is currently reaching select Android and iOS users running the latest versions of the messaging app, according to a report by WABetaInfo.
The feature brings recently added photos and videos from a user's phone gallery directly into the chat interface. This means users may no longer need to open their device gallery separately every time they want to share a recently saved image or video.
How Recent Media Suggestions works
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing two ways to display media suggestions within conversations. In one version, a notification appears above the chat bar with a thumbnail of the latest item added to the gallery.
The second version reportedly replaces the camera icon in the chat bar temporarily with a thumbnail of the suggested photo or video. Users can choose to tap the suggestion or simply ignore it and continue chatting.
Selecting the thumbnail opens WhatsApp's drawing editor, where users can preview the media before sending it. They can also add captions or stickers to the content. Importantly, the app does not share any photo or video automatically, so users retain control over what they send.
The suggestions may include recently captured photographs, screenshots, downloaded images and videos saved from other applications.
How to turn off the feature
Recent Media Suggestions is reportedly enabled automatically for eligible users. However, those who do not want these prompts can disable the option through WhatsApp's settings.
To switch it off, users need to go to Settings > Chats > Recent media suggestions and turn off the feature. WhatsApp will then stop displaying media suggestions inside conversations.
Feature rolling out gradually
The new functionality is not yet available to everyone. WhatsApp is said to be distributing it in phases to select users on Android and iOS who have installed the latest app versions. A wider rollout may take some time, so users may not see the option immediately.