WhatsApp Tests Close Friends Feature for Status, Similar to Instagram Stories
WhatsApp is testing a new Close Friends feature for Status, allowing users to share updates only with specific contacts, namely close friends.
The concept is similar to Instagram Stories’ Close Friends feature. This allows users to restrict who can view their Status without changing privacy settings each time they post an update.
According to WABetaInfo, the new feature is currently available to a limited number of beta users and will be gradually rolled out in the coming weeks.
The Close Friends feature for WhatsApp Status is being tested on Android beta version 2.26.19.11 and iOS beta version 26.19.10.72.
Status updates will be marked with a purple circle around the Status indicator, allowing other users to know the update is shared with specific people.
In addition to Close Friends, WhatsApp is also preparing a custom audience list feature. This will allow users to create more flexible audience groups for status updates.
For example, users can create lists such as “family” for private updates or “work friends” for work-related content, among others.
Users can select these lists when sharing a Status, making it easier to control who sees specific content.
WhatsApp also allows users to add or remove members from these lists at any time via the Status privacy settings.
Changes to the lists will only apply to future Status updates and will not affect previously posted content.
According to WABetaInfo, Statuses shared with Close Friends or other audiences cannot be viewed by anyone outside the selected list.
Only contacts included in the group can see the Status updates. Those not on the list will not receive notifications or see the Status in any form.
Users will be able to name and assign emojis to each custom contact list for easier identification.
By default, WhatsApp will assign a star emoji to the Close Friends list. The name and emoji will also be displayed to recipients of the Status.
Currently, the Close Friends and custom audience list features for WhatsApp Status are still in limited beta testing on Android and iOS.
It is unclear when the features will be widely released to all WhatsApp users. Stay tuned.