WhatsApp has updated its mobile application with a new feature that allows users to set voice notes as status updates.
WhatsApp Status, the company’s version of Snapchat Stories, debuted in 2017.
WhatsApp debuted audio status on Tuesday, allowing users to record and share voice messages of up to 30 seconds as status updates.
By touching the microphone icon on the status screen, users will be able to capture voice notes. It adds a more personal touch to status updates and serves as a practical alternative for individuals who do not like to type or utilize graphics.
WhatsApp tested its voice status feature with Android and iOS beta testers last month.
Voice status arrives months after WhatsApp experienced considerable growth in voice messaging on its platform. In March, the Meta-owned messaging app stated that its users sent an average of 7 billion audio messages per day.
Along with voice status, the most recent WhatsApp status updates contain a ‘private audience selector,’ which allows users to simply select a privacy option per status to control who can see their status updates.
According to a blog post by the messaging app, the most recent audience option will be retained and used as the default for the next status update.
Prior to the audience choice option, users had to manually go to WhatsApp’s privacy settings to choose who may see their status.
WhatsApp has also expanded the availability of status reactions that were previously available to some users.
Swiping up and tapping on one of eight emoticons allows users to rapidly respond to any status updates.
WhatsApp, like status reactions, has expanded the availability of status profile rings to all users after previously making them available to some users.
When your contact posts a status update, these rings display around their profile picture, similar to how Instagram works. Status profile rings will appear in chat lists, group participant lists, and contact information.
The upgrades have begun rolling out to users worldwide and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks, according to the messaging app.