New WhatsApp Features Added in August 2025

Another month, another set of new WhatsApp features. Like each month, Meta has been hard at work to bring new features to WhatsApp, and there are quite a few features that rolled out and are coming soon. Since the firm works on so many features simultaneously, it could be hard to track what's coming next and what's already live. Therefore, here are all the new WhatsApp features added in August 2025.

New WhatsApp features added in August 2025 (Stable)

Stable features on WhatsApp arrive gradually, and this month was no different. Still, Meta rolled out more features this month than it did last year, and they should help improve the experience quite a bit.

1. Schedule calls and Emoji reactions

Among the features WhatsApp rolled out in August 2025 was the ability to schedule calls and react with emojis. Well, the feature is finally rolling out to stable users and can be found in the Calls tab.

All you need to do is tap on the little Call icon with a plus button, and you should see a Schedule call option. You can then choose the date, time and type of call, and send it to contacts.

2. Safety Overview for groups 

WhatsApp recently started rolling out Safety Overview features for groups. The feature protects you from scam groups and activates when an unknown person adds you to a group.

Besides showing you a host of safety tips to stay cautious, it also gives you the option to directly exit the group. The feature appears to be rolling out in batches and will soon be available for all users using the latest Stable version.

Upcoming WhatsApp features in August 2025 (Beta)

It's pretty usual for WhatsApp to keep testing loads of features in Beta, which are released to stable versions a few weeks down the line. There are a host of WhatsApp features from last month that are nowhere to be seen in stable this month, but they will be arriving soon. Here are all the new WhatsApp features that are being tested in August 2025.

3. Notifications for status updates

WhatsApp is working on a feature which alerts when a status update is posted. When someone posts a status update, and you want to be alerted whenever they post an update in the future, you can tap on the 3-dots icon and tap on Get notifications. You can then confirm by tapping on Get Notifications again. 

4. Message people who aren't on WhatsApp

We're still far away from seeing messaging platforms embrace interoperability. But WhatsApp's latest feature to send messages to people who aren't on WhatsApp could be a good first step. It's rolling out to Beta users, and conversations with users who aren't using WhatsApp will be called Guest Chats. The feature will have a few limitations, though.

For starters, these chats won't support media files, GIFs and voice, video messages. Similarly, users cannot make voice or video calls. It's not as seamless as it sounds, as users would need to share a chat link with a non-WhatsApp user to start chatting.

5. Verified Instagram profile links

Right now, WhatsApp lets you add Instagram profile links, but it doesn’t show verified badges, making it harder for others to confirm the account is genuinely yours and not an impersonator’s. While the ability to add any Instagram profile isn't going anywhere, users can soon verify their Instagram profile to confirm their authenticity.

Going to your profile and tapping on the Instagram link option will now show a Verify link option. Tapping on the same will slide up a new overlay with an option to add a verified link. Hitting the same will load up Meta's Accounts Centre, where the user can link and verify their profile.

6. Restricted group invites

With Restricted group invites rolling out to Beta, group admins under the Group permissions page can turn on/off the Invite via link feature. This way, every user who puts in a request to join the group will go through the admin, and they'll join once it's approved.

7. Open profiles from Chats tab

It takes quite a few steps to change your profile picture or "About" section on WhatsApp, but that could change as a Profile picture icon is rolling out in the Chats tab. It not only lets you easily change your profile but could complement an upcoming disappearing "About" status feature on WhatsApp that's also rolling out in Beta. 

8. Share motion photos on chat

Motion photos are quite popular on both Android and iOS, and WhatsApp could soon let you leverage their uniqueness with the ability to share motion photos in chats. Once sent, the photos appear with a play icon enclosed in a three-fourths complete circle to indicate that it's a motion photo.

9. Record voice messages for missed calls

WhatsApp could soon let you record messages for missed calls as a follow-up. Now, if you think that sounds familiar, it's similar to leaving a voicemail via your carrier, but instead of auto-recording after a beep, the call screen will show you a Record voice message option. This option will also appear inside a conversation with the person.

10. Search people by their usernames

Finally, WhatsApp could soon let users search for others by their username. This should save users a lot of time instead of copying and pasting the phone number.

Once rolled out, users can tap on the New chat icon and search for not just existing contacts but new users as well. The feature is very similar to Telegram, where users can search for anyone, even those not in their contact list.

And those were all the current features alongside those that are coming soon. With that, it's time to conclude this list of new WhatsApp features for August 2025. Stay tuned for another set of features that could come to your favourite messages platform next month.