WhatsApp has over the years adopted a couple of features from other applications under the Meta umbrella, Instagram being one of them.
In 2017, WhatsApp added support for status updates in a bid to challenge Snapchat Stories.
To make the feature more appealing to users, the Meta owned company is now rolling out a major overhaul to its status updater, bringing it more in line with Instagram Stories.
The service announced in a blog post a total of five new features coming to WhatsApp status, including the ability to share voice messages.
You can record a voice note of up to 30 seconds and post it as a status update.
New WhatsApp Features
1. Private Audience Selector
This new feature will no let you choose who views your status each time you update it. Your most recent audience selection will be saved and used as the default for your next status.
Prior to the private audience selector, you would have to manually change who could view your status in WhatsApp’s settings menu.
2. WhatsApp Voice Status
Voice status will now give you the ability to record and share voice messages of up to 30 seconds on your WhatsApp status.
This feature can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing.
3. WhatsApp Status Reactions
This will provide a quick and easy way to respond to status updates from your contacts. You can now quickly reply to any status by swiping up and tapping on one of eight emojis.
You will still be able to reply to a status with text, voice message, stickers and more.
4. Status Profile Rings for New Updates
This ring will be present around your contact’s profile picture whenever they share a status update. It will be visible in the chat lists, group participant lists and contact info.
5. Link Previews on Status
Now, whenever you post a link on your status, you’ll automatically see a visual preview of its content, just like when you send a message.
Visual previews make your statuses look better and also give your contacts a better idea of what the link is before they click.
When To Expect The Updates
WhatsApp is just beginning to roll out these new features, which are expected to be available to everyone in the next few weeks.
