WhatsApp has unveiled an array of new features aimed at enhancing user interaction within its status updates. The messaging platform, owned by Meta, is introducing options for status likes and private mentions for users on both Android and iOS devices. The status likes feature allows users to express their appreciation for a contact’s status by tapping a heart emoji, providing a simple method for acknowledging updates. Meanwhile, the private mentions feature enables users to tag and mention specific contacts in their statuses. Those mentioned can then share the status with their own audience, while the mention remains concealed from other viewers.
New Features: Status Likes and Private Mentions on WhatsApp
In a blog post released on Thursday, WhatsApp announced the introduction of these new updates to its Status feature. The like functionality allows users to show appreciation for status updates with a simple heart emoji, similar to the way Instagram users can like stories.
It’s important to note that likes on WhatsApp statuses are private and do not have a visible counter. Only the user who shared the status can view who has liked it in their list of viewers.
The Private mentions feature allows users to tag contacts in their statuses. Those tagged can then share the status with their own followers, akin to tagging friends in Facebook or Instagram stories. However, the private mentions will not be visible to others who view the status.
The rollout of these new features is underway and will soon reach users globally. WhatsApp also indicated that it plans to introduce further enhancements to the Status and Updates tab in the upcoming months.
