WhatsApp Introduces “Close Friends” List for Status Updates, Streamlines Sharing
Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature allowing users to share status updates with a select group of close contacts, mirroring a similar function on Instagram. The update, currently available in the latest iOS test version, enables users to create a “Close Friends” list within the appS Privacy Settings.
Users will be able to choose to share status updates with either all contacts or exclusively with those on their “Close Friends” list during the posting process. Updates shared with this select group will be visually distinguished with a diffrent color, signaling their limited audience.
WhatsApp confirms that additions or removals from the “Close Friends” list will not trigger notifications to affected contacts, and changes won’t retroactively apply to previously shared updates. Statuses shared before a contact is added to the list will remain visible only to those who were on the list at the time of posting.
In addition to the ”Close Friends” feature, a recent iOS update introduced a “My Status” option, allowing users to directly share photos and videos as status updates from any request, simplifying and accelerating the sharing process.This update provides users with greater control and flexibility over their status content.
