WhatsApp Status Updates Get a “Close Friends” feature: What you Need to Know
WhatsApp is evolving its Status updates wiht a feature familiar to Instagram users: a “Close friends” list. This update offers greater control over who sees your shared moments,moving beyond the current privacy options. While WhatsApp Status isn’t widely used in the U.S., it boasts a massive 1.5 billion daily users globally, according to Meta.
Understanding WhatsApp Status
If you’re new to the feature, WhatsApp Status functions similarly to Instagram Stories. You can post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. currently, your sharing options are limited to:
My Contacts: Shares with everyone in your address book.
My Contacts Except…: Shares with all contacts except those you specifically exclude.
Only Share With…: Shares only with a select group of chosen contacts.
Many users currently utilize “Only Share With…” as a workaround for a dedicated Close Friends list. Soon, you’ll have both options, providing more nuanced control over your content.
How the “Close Friends” Feature Will Work
Thanks to facts discovered by WABetaInfo within the latest TestFlight release, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Dedicated List Creation: You’ll be able to create a specific “Close Friends” list directly within WhatsApp’s privacy settings.
Sharing Options: When posting a new Status update, you’ll choose between sharing with all contacts or restricting visibility to your Close Friends list. Visual Distinction: Updates shared with your Close Friends will feature a unique, differently colored ring around them. This visual cue will instantly indicate to those contacts that the content is for a select audience.
* Privacy Focused: Like Instagram’s implementation, your Close Friends list will remain private. Individuals won’t be notified if they are added or removed from the list.
This feature promises a more intuitive and private way to share updates with those closest to you. It acknowledges that not every moment is meant for your entire contact list.
Are you a WhatsApp Status user? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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