WhatsApp has released a new Facebook-like status feature that allows users to change the text and background colour of their updates.
While Status was introduced as a text-only feature, it grew to include photos and videos last year.
The feature’s latest update, released today, lets users choose a background colour, font and even add links.
WhatsApp has released a new Facebook-like status feature (pictured) that allows users to change the text and background colour of their updates
Statuses work much like it’s parent company, Facebook’s Stories mode, allowing users to post a picture, message or video to their contacts that will disappear after 24 hours.
While Status’s new customisation features were first reported earlier this month, WhatsApp has now finished beta testing and is rolling them out to Android and iOS users.
It is expected to reach all users worldwide by this weekend, and users can manually check for the update by going to their respective app stores.
‘The new feature makes it easy to share creative text-based Status updates,’ WhatsApp said in a statement.
‘Whether you’re looking for vacation recommendations or notifying a group about the address for a party, the text-based Status feature allows you to update your contacts in a fun and personal way.
‘To customize text statuses, users can choose a specific font and background color, or include links,’ it added.
Once it has rolled out to all users, the new feature can be accessed via WhatsApp’s Status tab.
Users will be able to choose from three options when writing updates: The colour of the background, the font used, and the addition of emojis.
While the new Status features were first reported on earlier this month, WhatsApp has now finished beta testing and is rolling them out to all Android and iOS users worldwide by this weekend (stock image)
WhatsApp has also upgraded its web support so that users will be able to view Status updates on their computers.
Other important changes include the ability to control who can see your Status update.
‘In WhatsApp’s privacy settings, you have the option to choose the people who will receive your update,’ WhatsApp said.
‘You can select from the following three options: “My contacts,” “contacts except…” and “only share with…”.’
WhatsApp has also added the ability to see who has viewed your Status update.
Users can tap the eye icon at the bottom of any Status update to view a list of contacts who have seen the Status.
The firm announced its update will also allow users to reply to Status updates.
‘When you view someone’s Status update, there is a reply button, so you can comment on any photo, video, or GIF,’ WhatsApp said.
‘Once you tap reply, your message will be sent in a WhatsApp chat with a thumbnail of the Status update.’