WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app owned by Meta, is testing a new feature that will allow users to view status updates of their contacts directly from the chat list. WhatsApp Status Updates feature is expected to increase the visibility and engagement of status updates, which are ephemeral posts that disappear after 24 hours.
How It Works
According to WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo, the new feature is currently under development and will be available in a future update of WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, and Desktop. WhatsApp Status Updates feature will work as follows:
- Whenever a contact posts a status update, their profile picture will have a green ring around it in the chat list, the group participant list, and the contact info screen.
- Users can tap on the profile picture of their contact to view their status update, which can be a photo, a video, or a voice note.
- Users can also react to status updates by swiping up and tapping one of eight emojis, such as Heart-Eyes, Face with Tears of Joy, or Party Popper.
- Users can also control who can see their status updates by using the Private Audience Selector, which lets them choose specific contacts or groups to share their status with.
Why It Matters
The new feature is likely to boost the usage and popularity of status updates, which are similar to stories on Instagram and Facebook. WhatsApp Status Updates allow users to share personal and creative moments with their friends and close contacts, without cluttering their chat history or gallery. Status updates also offer a way of expressing oneself through voice notes, which can be more convenient and authentic than typing.
By making status updates more accessible and interactive, WhatsApp hopes to increase the engagement and retention of its users, who may otherwise switch to other platforms that offer more features and options. WhatsApp also wants to compete with other messaging apps that have integrated stories into their chat lists, such as Telegram and Signal.
What’s Next
WhatsApp Status Updates has not announced yet, when the new feature will be rolled out to the public, but it is likely to be soon, as it is already being tested on the desktop version of the app. Users who want to try the new feature can join the WhatsApp beta program and wait for the update to arrive. However, they should be aware that beta versions may have bugs and glitches that can affect the performance and stability of the app.
Features of Showing WhatsApp Status Updates
- The feature of showing status updates within the chat list was first spotted on WhatsApp Desktop, but it is expected to be available for Android and iOS users as well.
- The feature is currently under development and has not been released to the public yet. However, some beta testers may be able to access it in a future update of WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, and Desktop.
- The feature is likely to increase the visibility and engagement of status updates, which are ephemeral posts that disappear after 24 hours. Status updates allow users to share personal and creative moments with their friends and close contacts, without cluttering their chat history or gallery.
- The feature will also allow users to react to status updates by swiping up and tapping one of eight emojis, such as Heart-Eyes, Face with Tears of Joy, or Party Popper. Users can also control who can see their status updates by using the Private Audience Selector, which lets them choose specific contacts or groups to share their status with.
- The feature is similar to the stories feature on Instagram and Facebook, which are also owned by Meta. WhatsApp also wants to compete with other messaging apps that have integrated stories into their chat lists, such as Telegram and Signal.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make status updates more visible and interactive for its users. WhatsApp Status Updates feature will show a green ring around the profile picture of contacts who have posted a status update, and allow users to view and react to them directly from the chat list. The feature is expected to boost the usage and popularity of status updates, which are similar to stories on other social media platforms.
The feature is currently under development and will be available in a future update of WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, and Desktop. Users who want to try the new feature can join the WhatsApp beta program and wait for the update to arrive.