WhatsApp is introducing a status update tool of its own, much like Instagram Notes.
Similar to what’s available on Instagram, this new option lets people using the Meta-owned chat app share a brief text update that others can view. You can use this feature to update friends about your activities or share recent news from your life.
According to the company, users might also use this space to spark conversations or to explain why they aren’t available to chat at the moment.
Although this may seem like a new addition, WhatsApp notes in a blog post that this “About” section was actually its original feature. Before prioritizing secure and private messaging, WhatsApp allowed users to quickly post short updates like these.
Image Credits:WhatsApp
With this update, WhatsApp is making the “About” status more prominent. Now, your status will appear at the top of individual chats with friends and on user profiles. Additionally, people can tap your About status in a conversation to respond directly.
Just like Instagram Notes, the About status on WhatsApp will automatically vanish after 24 hours.
Still, WhatsApp says you can change the timer if you want your status to disappear sooner or remain visible for longer than a day. You also have the option to control whether only your contacts or a wider audience can see your About status.
At launch, this feature isn’t as advanced as Instagram Notes, which also lets users post short looping videos and share the music they’re listening to. However, if the feature becomes popular, similar upgrades may be added in the future.
WhatsApp has announced that this feature will begin rolling out to mobile users this week.
