WhatsApp adds private mentions and likes to its status feature

WhatsApp has introduced a new set of status update features. The Meta-owned direct messaging platform is rolling out new status liking and private mention features for Android and iOS users. Status likes are a new way to confirm a contact’s status update by tapping the heart emoji. With Private Mention, users can now mention and tag contacts in their status updates. Mentioned people can reshare that status on their account, while the mention will remain hidden from others viewing the status. Similar features already exist on Facebook and Instagram.

WhatsApp introduces the ability to like statuses, mention contacts

WhatsApp announced new updates to its Status feature via a blog post on Thursday. The messaging app is rolling out new status likes and private mentions features for all users. With the like feature, users can like their contacts’ status updates with a single tap and a heart emoji. This works similar to liking Instagram stories.

Status likes are private and do not have a counter. Only the person who shared the status can see who liked it in the viewer list.

WhatsApp’s new private mention allows users to privately mention and tag their contacts in their status. Tagged contacts can also easily share it with their audience. This feature works similarly to tagging friends on Facebook and Instagram Stories. Private mentions on WhatsApp will be hidden and will not show in status.

New WhatsApp status features are rolling out and will soon be available to users worldwide. WhatsApp has confirmed that it will bring more features to the Status tab and Updates in the next few months.