WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that suggests recently added photos and videos when users open a chat. The feature is arriving on both Android and iOS with the latest app versions. The new option builds on WhatsApp’s existing sticker suggestions, which appear above the keyboard based on typed emojis. However, it now makes sharing recent media easier by displaying the latest item from a user’s phone gallery.
There are two ways the suggestion can appear. In the first, a small notification appears above the chat bar with a thumbnail of the latest photo or video. In the second, WhatsApp temporarily replaces the camera icon with the same media thumbnail.
Users can ignore these suggestions and continue their conversations as usual. The notification also includes a close button. Moreover, tapping a thumbnail does not immediately send the selected media.
Instead, WhatsApp opens its drawing editor, allowing users to review the content before sharing. They can also add captions or stickers. Users can exit the editor without sending anything, which helps prevent accidental shares.
The feature does not distinguish between different media sources. It simply suggests the latest item added to the gallery. This could include camera photos, screenshots, images downloaded from websites, or videos saved from other apps.
The feature is enabled automatically once it reaches an account. However, users who do not want these suggestions can disable them. To turn off the feature, open Settings > Chats and disable Recent media suggestions.
WhatsApp is rolling out the feature gradually, so availability may vary between accounts. More users are expected to receive it over the coming weeks. However, the company has not confirmed when the rollout will reach everyone.
