Highlights

• WhatsApp now allows tagging contacts in stories, echoing Instagram’s feature.
• The tagging feature is currently in beta testing, with limited details available.
• Maintains WhatsApp’s core as a private messaging platform while introducing social elements.
• Aims to enhance user interaction without complicating the app’s simplicity.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta for a decade, is evolving.

Known for connecting people through messages, it’s borrowing features from its sibling apps, Instagram and Messenger.

The latest addition?

Tagging contacts in status updates, a move that spices up how we share moments.

“Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.19 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to mention contacts in status updates,” said WABetaInfo.

“We believe that WhatsApp can enhance communication by ensuring that users are always aware of relevant status updates. By receiving notifications when they are mentioned in a status update, users will be more likely to engage with the content, contributing their thoughts with a reply or reaction,” the report said.

WhatsApp’s New Tagging Feature

Beta testers have discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature allowing users to tag others in their status updates, similar to Instagram and Facebook stories.

This feature, still in development, promises to notify tagged individuals instantly, ensuring they don’t miss out on shared content.

While it’s uncertain if these tags will be visible to everyone or just the tagged contacts, the intention is clear: to enhance sharing experiences and acknowledge friends directly in updates.

Beyond Messaging: WhatsApp’s Expanding Horizons

WhatsApp is not just about chatting anymore.

With the introduction of ephemeral status updates, users enjoy a 24-hour window to share photos, videos, and messages creatively, without the usual forwarding limits.

Meta’s strategy appears to keep WhatsApp’s essence as a personal communication tool while subtly integrating social networking elements.

Alongside tagging, features like pinning messages and a new status shelf design are in the pipeline, signaling WhatsApp’s commitment to enriching user interaction and content discovery.

As WhatsApp continues to evolve, blending messaging with social media traits, users can look forward to a more dynamic and interconnected platform, making everyday communications not just convenient but also more engaging.

WhatsApp Stickers

In more news related to WhatsApp, one of the standout additions in the latest WhatsApp beta is the implementation of chat filters.

This feature, currently available to a select group of beta testers, offers a pragmatic approach to managing conversations.

By allowing users to filter their chat list to show unread messages or group chats exclusively, WhatsApp addresses the common challenge of navigating through an extensive list of conversations.

Positioned beneath the top app bar, these filters may require users to scroll down to discover them, adding a step but potentially simplifying chat navigation significantly.

FAQs

Q: What is WhatsApp’s new contact tagging feature?

A: WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users tag their contacts in status updates, similar to how tagging works on Instagram and Facebook. This will notify tagged individuals about the update.

Q: Can everyone see who you tag in your WhatsApp status?

A: It’s currently unclear if tags will be visible to all viewers of your status or just to those tagged. The feature is still in development, and more details will be revealed over time.

Q: How does the new tagging feature affect WhatsApp’s privacy?

A: WhatsApp is known for its emphasis on privacy. The introduction of tagging aims to enhance user engagement while keeping the platform’s private messaging essence intact.

Q: Will the contact tagging feature change how I use WhatsApp?

A: The feature is designed to enrich your sharing experience by allowing direct mentions within status updates. It shouldn’t complicate usage but rather make communication more interactive.

Q: When will the WhatsApp contact tagging feature be available to all users?

A: The feature is in beta testing and does not have a confirmed rollout date. Stay tuned for updates from WhatsApp regarding its official release.

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