WHATSAPP has rolled out a set of sparkly new features to its 2billion users across the globe today.
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, has been busy introducing a new ‘status’ feature to its platforms over the past week.
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Facebook has famously had the status feature since its inception.
But it has recently made its way onto Instagram, and today onto WhatsApp.
“Status is a popular way to share ephemeral updates with friends and close contacts on WhatsApp,” the company said in a blog post today.
“They disappear in 24 hours and may include photos, videos, GIFs, text, and more.”
Users can select the audience for their status – which can be changed in their privacy settings.
Similar to Instagram’s ‘close friends’ story feature, WhatsApp users can make their status public or viewable to only a select few.
Unlike Instagram and Facebook, users will be able to have a voice status, allowing them to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds long.
“Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing,” the company said.
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WhatsApp has also listened to fans, and has allowed users to react to statuses.
“This was the #1 feature users wanted, following the launch of reactions last year,” the company explained.
Users can now quickly reply to any status by swiping up and tapping on one of eight emojis.
Another new WhatsApp feature which mirror’s its sibling Instagram is status profile rings for new updates.
Users’ profile pictures will be encircled with a green ring when there is a new status other users haven’t seen yet.
Should users post a link on their status, a preview will automatically pop up like it does inside a chat.
“Visual previews make your statuses look better, and also give your contacts a better idea of what the link is before they click,” said WhatsApp.
“Just like your personal chats and calls, your WhatsApp status is protected by end-to-end encryption so you can share privately and securely.”
But users will have to first update their app before gaining access to the new features.
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