WhatsApp has evolved from a basic messaging service to a multifaceted application under Meta’s ownership, integrating various features that enhance its social media capabilities, payment functionalities, and business operations. The introduction of status updates, channels, and other enhancements has broadened its appeal, aligning it closely with Meta’s other platforms. Recently, WhatsApp has begun to roll out a feature similar to Instagram Stories, featuring a reply bar for status updates on both Android and iOS devices.
As reported by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the application has made the reply bar feature available to beta testers on Android and iOS. This new addition, located at the bottom of status updates—similar to the format used in Instagram Stories—aims to facilitate easier responses to status updates. Users currently have the option to swipe up on a status to reply with a text message or emojis; however, the dedicated reply bar allows for direct typing in responses.
The rollout of this feature is part of WhatsApp’s beta updates: iOS version 23.15.10.72 available through TestFlight, and Android version 2.23.26.3 accessible via the Google Play Store. It is anticipated that more users will gain access in the days ahead.
The WABetaInfo report included a screenshot showcasing the new reply bar, which simplifies interaction by removing the need to swipe up for responses. Visually, the reply bar bears striking similarities to the corresponding feature on Instagram Stories.
In addition to this development, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a feature that would allow users to share their WhatsApp statuses directly to Instagram. This capability follows the existing option to post WhatsApp statuses on Facebook. Both sharing functionalities have been noted together within the Status Privacy settings of the app.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is also in the process of developing a search feature that enables users to locate others on the platform using their usernames. This innovation aims to enhance privacy by allowing communication without the need to disclose phone numbers, similarly to functionalities available on Telegram.
