WhatsApp, the widely popular messaging app owned by Meta Platforms Inc, has fulfilled one of its users’ long-standing wishes by introducing a highly anticipated feature, the ability to edit messages. In an exciting announcement made on Monday, WhatsApp declared, “We are thrilled to offer you the power to edit your sent messages on WhatsApp, for those instances when mistakes are made or you simply change your mind.”
This new functionality, which has been eagerly awaited by users, will be made available worldwide in the coming weeks, allowing senders to modify their messages within a 15-minute time frame.
The process of utilizing this feature is straightforward. Users can simply long-press the message they wish to alter and select the “edit” option from the drop-down menu. Once a message has been edited, it will be clearly labeled as “edited,” ensuring that the recipient is aware of the correction without exposing the edit history.
It is important to note that competing messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal have already integrated the message editing feature into their platforms. Apple also joined the trend last year by introducing the option to unsend and edit messages sent via iMessage.
Moreover, Twitter, the social media platform helmed by Elon Musk, has recognized the widespread demand for message editing. In a blog post, Jay Sullivan, Twitter’s head of consumer products, revealed that “edit” had been the most requested feature by Twitter users for many years. Responding to this feedback, Twitter recently tested and subsequently rolled out the edit option to its paying subscribers, aiming to make tweeting a more approachable and stress-free experience.
With the forthcoming global release of WhatsApp’s editing feature, users can engage in conversations with greater confidence, knowing they have the flexibility to correct errors or modify their messages as needed. This update aligns WhatsApp with Meta’s other platform, Facebook, which introduced the ability to edit posts and comments around a decade ago. By empowering users to take control of their messages and fostering seamless and effortless communication, WhatsApp continues to solidify its position as a leading messaging app in today’s digital landscape.