WhatsApp update: privacy settings for each individual status
You want everyone to see the pictures from the birthday party, but only your closest friends should see the picture from the day after? This is now possible. So far, you could only set who can see the status in general. In February, a function is to be introduced with which users can decide for each individual status to whom it should be displayed – and to whom it should not be displayed. WhatsApp remembers these settings, but they can be changed again with the next post.
Voice messages on WhatsApp now also in the status
WhatsApp introduces the possibility of up to 30 seconds voice messages in status to share. According to the website, this is a way to “make status messages even more personal”.
Link preview in status
Links could also be posted earlier in the WhatsApp status, but there will be an innovation here: If a link is posted in the status, there is one automatic display of the link content – just as you know it from WhatsApp chats. This way you can see what the link is about before you click on it.
New to WhatsApp: status reactions and status profile rings
Two features that users of other meta products like Facebook or Instagram should already know are now also making their way into WhatsApp. By swiping up, users can set eight Emojis reply directly to a status. Of course, you still have the option of replying with a text, a voice message or stickers.
In addition, new status messages are now also displayed by status profile ring. This ring appears around a contact’s profile picture when a new status update has been shared. It can be seen in chat lists, group lists and contact info.