WhatsApp has launched an updated suite of features for its status updates, enhancing user interaction. The Meta-owned messaging platform is deploying new options for liking statuses and private mentions, available to both Android and iOS users. With the introduction of Likes on Status, users can express their appreciation for a contact’s status update simply by tapping a heart emoji. The newly implemented private mentions feature allows users to tag contacts in their status, enabling those mentioned to reshare the update, albeit with the mention hidden from other viewers. These functionalities echo similar features found on Facebook and Instagram.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Status Likes and Private Mentions
WhatsApp shared the news of these updates in a blog post published Thursday, informing users about the enhanced Status features. The addition of a like button allows users to quickly express their support for a contact’s status update, mirroring the familiar process of liking stories on Instagram.
Notably, the likes on WhatsApp statuses remain private; there is no visible counter for likes. Only the individual who posted the status can view the list of users who liked it, ensuring a level of confidentiality in user interactions.
The new private mentions feature grants users the ability to tag contacts confidentially within their status. Once tagged, contacts have the option to easily reshare the status with their own audience. Unlike public tags on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, the mentions on WhatsApp are kept hidden and do not appear on the status display.
As WhatsApp continues to roll out these features, they will soon be accessible to users globally. The company has also indicated plans to introduce additional enhancements to both the Status and Updates tab in the coming months.
