With the new storage option, users can view GIFs, videos, and photos they have received on the app. For some users, WhatsApp is their primary communication tool and attachments can stack up quickly. Certainly, it is not uncommon to have hundreds or even thousands of videos, GIFs, and images from the service. Sure, users will want to keep many of those files, but will also want to delete a lot of them.
In the past, the in-app tools for managing WhatsApp storage were basic. Users would need to head into their wider phone storage to manage files received on the service. Now the company is removing that step and allowing users to take bulk actions directly within the application.
Storage Options
It is possible to sort files by size and preview them before choosing whether to remove them or not. It works like File Explorer in Windows 10, allowing users to select bulk files, view them, and delete them if necessary. WhatsApp says the new feature is rolling out around the world this week. It seems to be a phased roll out because I do not yet have the feature, but a WinBuzzer colleague does. If you want to check if you have the new tool, open the app and head to Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Manage Storage.
This new ability is further evidence of WhatsApp looking to expand the functionality of the app. It now feels like a more professional experience as opposed to the simple instant messaging tool it once was. Recent features like a Search the Web fact checking tool and 8 video call participants show the company has ambitions beyond just everyday consumers.
