WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that can suggest the most recently saved photo or video from a phone’s gallery directly inside a chat. The shortcut is appearing gradually for Android and iOS users on the latest versions of the app, potentially reducing the need to open the gallery manually before sharing media.
The suggestion can appear in one of two interface treatments. Some users will see a small prompt with a thumbnail above the message field, while others may temporarily see the camera button replaced by a thumbnail of the recent media item. Each user is expected to receive only one of those layouts.
Selecting the suggestion does not send the file immediately. WhatsApp opens its media editor first, allowing users to review the item, add a caption or sticker, and then choose whether to send it. The flow can also be canceled before anything is shared.
The feature is based on recency rather than the source or type of gallery content. Suggested items may include:
- Photos captured with the phone
- Screenshots
- Images downloaded from the web
- Videos saved from other apps
For users who receive the feature, it is enabled automatically and can be turned off through Chats > Recents Media Suggestions in WhatsApp’s settings. WhatsApp has not announced a timetable for broader availability, so it remains unclear when the shortcut will reach all Android and iOS users.
