Before it became one of the leading text messaging apps, WhatsApp was all about sharing status updates. Today, the app went back to its roots. It looks a lot like Snapchat Stories and also pretty awesome.
It looks like Snapchat, it works like Snapchat… and it’s not Facebook nor Instagram… what is it?
WhatsApp has debuted a new feature called “status updates,” and it looks 100% like Snapchat Stories… or Instagram Stories. But that’s only because Instagram was heavily inspired by Snapchat in the first place.
WhatsApp’s status updates can now include pictures, videos and GIFs. Like on Snapchat, they will be published for 24 hours, before they disappear. Everyone in your contact list will be able to see your status updates, unless you decide otherwise.
In a way, there’s nothing new here. Snapchat had it, Instagram copied it, Messenger copied it again, and now WhatsApp yet once more. I even ask myself: “Where is this going? Why are all of Facebook’s apps doing the same thing?” Yet, status updates are pretty awesome, and they are exactly what was missing on WhatsApp.
The real plus for WhatsApp, is that like text conversations in the app, status updates will be encrypted by default.
The new version of status updates is already available across Europe, and will likely roll out globally in the weeks soon after that.
You might also like
More from WhatsApp
WhatsApp Is Working On New Self-Destructing Images Feature
After launching disappearing messages last year, WhatsApp is now working on images that self-destruct when you leave a chat.
WhatsApp Adds 1-To-1 Voice And Video Calls To Desktop
WhatsApp is adding a 1-to-1 voice and video call feature to WhatsApp on desktop. Group calls could follow soon.
Telegram Now Lets You Move Your Chat History From Other Apps
Here's how to move your chat history from WhatsApp and other apps to your new Telegram account.
WhatsApp Is Adding Biometric Authentication To Its Desktop App
After bringing Face ID to its mobile app in 2019, WhatsApp is now introducing biometric authentication to its web or …
WhatsApp Is Giving Users Until May 15 To Accept Its New Data Sharing Policy
WhatsApp is giving users more time to think about accepting a new data sharing policy that would see their data …
WhatsApp Now Forces You To Share Your Information With Facebook
As part of a recent privacy policy update, WhatsApp is now asking users to share information with other Facebook companies …
WhatsApp Set To Offer Health Insurance And Pension Products In India
WhatsApp is expected to move into a range of services in India within 2021 - including health insurance and pension …
With Carts WhatsApp Is Now A True E-Commerce Platform
WhatsApp Carts let potential customers of businesses on its platform browse catalogs, choose items, and check out via a single …
WhatsApp Is Rolling Out Its Shopping Button Globally
The new shopping button on WhatsApp makes it easier for you to browse a brand's catalogs of goods and services.