WhatsApp May Soon Introduce an Instagram-Inspired ‘Close Friends’ Status Feature
Under Meta’s ownership, WhatsApp and Instagram continue to see feature convergence. A new report suggests WhatsApp could borrow another popular Instagram feature for its Status updates.
This potential addition would be the ‘Close Friends’ functionality. It aims to give users more control over who sees their status updates.
WhatsApp Close Friends Status: What The Report Says
As per the WaBetaInfo report, this feature has been spotted in the Android beta version. It is still under development and should reach beta testers soon.
The feature is expected to work similarly to Instagram. Users can manually select specific contacts to share a status update with.
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How Will The Feature Work?
The app will reportedly show a ‘Who can see my status update’ menu. Options will include ‘my contacts’, ‘My contacts except’, ‘Only share with’, and ‘Close friends’.
Status updates shared with Close Friends will have a distinct ring colour. This visual cue will not be visible to contacts outside the selected list.
The Bigger Picture for WhatsApp
WhatsApp is evolving with AI, ads, and premium features under Meta. Reports have also hinted at premium versions for WhatsApp and Instagram.
The tipped premium WhatsApp could include premium stickers, app themes, and custom chat ringtones. For Instagram, features could include seeing non-followers and stealth story viewing.
Unlike recent AI additions, this update focuses on utility. WaBetaInfo is the source for these details.
FAQs
1. What is the new ‘Close Friends’ feature coming to WhatsApp?
It is a feature that will allow users to share their Status updates with only a manually selected list of contacts, similar to the functionality on Instagram.
2. Where was this new WhatsApp feature reported?
The feature was reported by WaBetaInfo after being spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android. It is currently in development.
3. How will the ‘Close Friends’ status update appear?
Status updates shared with the Close Friends list will have a different colour on the profile ring. This special ring colour will only be visible to those on the list.
4. What other premium features is WhatsApp tipped to get?
A potential premium version of WhatsApp could include features like premium stickers, custom app themes, and the ability to set unique ringtones for chats.
5. Is Meta planning premium features for Instagram as well?
Yes, reports suggest Meta could offer Instagram features like seeing who doesn’t follow you back and viewing Stories anonymously.