WhatsApp Tests “Close Friends” Status Sharing, Mirroring Instagram Feature
Mountain View, CA - WhatsApp is rolling out a “Close Friends” list for status updates to a limited group of iOS beta testers, according to details obtained from version 25.23.10.80 of the app by WabetaInfo. the new feature allows users to share status updates with a select group of contacts, rather than broadcasting them to all connections.
This move signals a shift for WhatsApp, aiming to bridge the gap between its traditionally private messaging focus and the more public sharing aspects of platforms like Instagram and facebook – all under the Meta umbrella. The “Close Friends” function operates similarly to Instagram’s existing feature, enabling users to curate a smaller audience for more personal content.Status updates shared with “Close Friends” will disappear after 24 hours, as with standard status posts, but will be visually distinguished by a green ring.
The update allows for easy addition and removal of contacts from the “Close Friends” list, and crucially, does not notify recipients when they are added or removed. This privacy-focused approach aligns with WhatsApp’s recent efforts to enhance user control, including a newly tested iOS tool offering suggestions for tone and expression clarity in messages – a feature designed to maintain on-device processing and confidentiality.The introduction of “Close Friends” could be particularly valuable for content creators, small businesses, and community managers seeking to segment their audience and tailor content accordingly. However,the proliferation of similar privacy tools across Meta’s platforms may lead to user confusion regarding where to share specific content.
Currently,the feature is limited to iOS beta users,with no confirmed timeline for Android availability or a wider global release.
