WhatsApp Adds New Interactive Features to Status Updates

WhatsApp has introduced new features to its Status function, giving users more interactive ways to share and connect.

Now, users can like their friends' Status updates. These likes are private, so only the person who posted the Status can see who liked it, which adds a personal touch without the need for public validation.

In addition to likes, WhatsApp has added private mentions. With this feature, users can tag friends directly in their Status updates, sending a private notification to the mentioned person. This makes it easy for users to share specific moments, thoughts, or jokes with the people involved. Mentioned friends also have the option to re-share the Status to their own feed with a simple tap.

These updates make WhatsApp feel more like a social network. The Status feature, which initially started as a basic way to share temporary updates, is now becoming a place for richer interactions. The new features encourage users to share more frequently, knowing they can engage in meaningful ways. For people who prefer casual, private engagement over public sharing, WhatsApp Status now provides a comfortable alternative to platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has announced plans to expand these features further. There is speculation about future updates that might add more customization options, such as animated effects, music clips, or the ability to react to Status updates with different emojis. By building out Status, Meta seems to be positioning WhatsApp as a platform where users can share life updates and connect with friends in ways that feel more intimate than other social networks. 

These new features reflect Meta's ongoing efforts to keep WhatsApp relevant in the rapidly changing landscape of social media and messaging apps. As people look for fresh ways to connect online, the updates to WhatsApp Status may well appeal to users who value privacy but still want to engage with their friends and share special moments in a fun, interactive way. It might feel unfamiliar at first—much like Instagram's DMs did when they were introduced—but users quickly adapt to convenient features.