WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new Instagram-style feature that allows users to share Status updates with select contacts. The platform aims to make privacy settings more manageable while giving users greater control over who sees their updates.
The feature, spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.5.11, enables users to create custom lists of contacts. Each list can have a unique name and emoji, allowing users to distinguish between different groups easily. Once created, these lists can be used to determine which contacts see specific Status updates, improving privacy and user experience.
One of the key elements of this update is the “Close Friends” list, inspired by Instagram. This option allows users to share certain updates exclusively with a smaller, selected group of contacts. Users can manage this list directly from the Status privacy settings or the Status interface. Contacts can be added or removed at any time, though changes will only apply to future Status updates. Previous updates remain visible to those who had access when they were first shared.
In addition to the Close Friends feature, WhatsApp is testing three other privacy options for Status sharing. These options include visual cues to indicate who can view a particular post. For instance, selected viewers may see different coloured rings around the sender’s profile picture, providing instant clarity about the sharing scope.
This development marks a significant step in WhatsApp’s evolution beyond basic messaging. By adopting Instagram-style selective sharing, the platform caters to growing user demand for privacy controls and flexibility. Users no longer need to manually adjust sharing options for each Status post, reducing the risk of unintentionally sharing content with unintended contacts.
Overall, the feature is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing more meaningful and controlled sharing. It also encourages users to engage more freely on the platform without compromising privacy. Analysts suggest that this move aligns with WhatsApp’s broader strategy of integrating social networking elements into its messaging ecosystem.
