WhatsApp is gradually rolling out a new update to Android and iPhone users that introduces "Recent Media Suggestions." This feature is designed to make sharing photos and videos faster by suggesting recently saved media directly inside chats, allowing users to bypass searching for files manually or opening their gallery.
With the new update, WhatsApp can automatically display a user’s most recent photo or video when they open a conversation. The feature appears in two different forms, though each user will only see one of the two versions. In the first version, a small notification with a thumbnail of the latest gallery item and a share option appears above the message bar. In the second version, the camera icon beside the message bar is temporarily replaced with a thumbnail of the most recently saved photo or video.
Tapping a suggested item does not send it immediately. Instead, it opens the media editor, where users can review the file, add captions, insert stickers, or make other edits. Users can also close the editor without sending anything to prevent accidental sharing.
The feature works with any recently saved gallery item, including screenshots, camera photos, and videos or images downloaded from other applications. WhatsApp does not filter these suggestions based on the file's type or source; it simply selects the most recent item.
The update activates automatically when it becomes available for an account. However, users who prefer not to see these suggestions can disable the feature by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Recent media suggestions and turning off the option.
While the update is being rolled out gradually to Android and iOS users, more accounts are expected to receive it over the coming weeks, although the company has not announced when the rollout will be completed.
