WhatsApp, the globally popular messaging platform, is taking its privacy game to the next level. The Meta-owned company is working on its Status feature, which is similar to Instagram’s “Close Friends” functionality. The new option was seen in the iOS beta version 25.23.10.80 on TestFlight. It will now allow users to select their close friends within the privacy settings and share status updates only with them.
Currently, WhatsApp Status, similar to Instagram stories, allows users to post text, photos, videos, or more, which disappear after 24 hours. Even though WhatsApp offers three privacy options, including status privacy for:
- “My Contacts”
- “My Contacts Except”
- “Only Share With”
How the WhatsApp Close Friends Feature Works?
Skipping the options, the super new Close Friends list makes the process easy. You can simply share the update with all your contacts or add your close contacts to the list. The noteworthy part is that these updates will be visually different, appearing in a different colored ring to indicate that the status was shared privately.
Now here comes another key aspect. Contacts will not be notified if they are added or removed from the Close Friends list. It may happen if you want to update the Close Friends list after posting an update; however, in this scenario, the update will be only seen by those who were included in the list at the time of sharing.
How is the Close Friends Feature Beneficial for Users?
As mentioned above, the feature is privacy-focused and aims to make Status sharing personal, helping users gain more control over their contacts. It clearly showcases Meta’s strategy of incorporating the same features across its apps.
Indeed, whether it’s about your startup marketing, birthday wishes, or a day out, you never fail to share updates on WhatsApp. This is a testament to over 1.5 billion people daily, even though it is less prevalent in the US. Alongside, WhatsApp is also working on other advancements, such as voicemail-like missed call messages and AI-powered writing assistance for writing texts.
Lastly, with the Close Friends feature, WhatsApp is making private, selective sharing more straightforward and more engaging.
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