WhatsApp Chat Multimedia File Retention

Multimedia files sent and received through WhatsApp in Vixiees have a limited lifespan. This article explains how file retention works and what happens when files expire.

Retention Periods

Multimedia files have different lifespans depending on their origin:

These periods are set by Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API, not by Vixiees.

Types of Affected Files

The retention policy applies to all multimedia files:

• Images (photos, screenshots)
• Videos
• Documents (PDF, Word, Excel)
• Audio files
• Other attachments

What Happens When a File Expires

When a file exceeds its retention period:

• The file can no longer be viewed in the chat
• A "Content expired" message appears instead of the file
• The download button disappears
• The original file cannot be recovered

Expiration Indicators

Each visible multimedia file shows a warning:

• For received files: "Received files expire in 7 days"
• For sent files: "Sent files expire in 30 days"

This warning appears below the file so the sales team can download important files before they expire.

Recommendations

To avoid losing important files:

• Download relevant files as soon as you receive them
• Save important documents in the contact's documentation section
• For critical files, ask the contact to send them by email

File Storage

Multimedia files are stored in different ways:

• Received files: Temporarily stored on Meta's servers
• Sent files: Uploaded to Meta's storage before being sent

In both cases, expiration applies regardless of storage.

Conclusion

Limited multimedia file retention is a feature of the WhatsApp Cloud API. It's important for the sales team to download important files quickly and use Vixiees' documentation system to store files that need to be kept long-term.

Relevant Scenarios

• Teams that receive important documentation from clients via WhatsApp
• Sales processes that require keeping receipts or contracts
• Conversation follow-ups where key files are shared