WhatsApp Testing Its 'About' Feature with Self-Destructing Text

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to set time-sensitive status updates on the 'About' section of their profile. This new feature is aimed at tackling outdated status information and using it as a more real-time availability indicator.

WABetaInfo spotted the feature in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.21.17 build. From the looks of it, when users get into the About section of their profile, a new pop-up message will appear, introducing the disappearing About status feature. 

Once users type out their status or choose from a list of preset statuses, they will be able to tap on a new "Duration" panel underneath to set a duration for it. Users can either select from a bunch of preset durations or set their own custom duration. WhatsApp will automatically delete this update once the set time is reached.

This will make the About section on the platform more viable and will let users display active status updates, much like Slack. It will also make ever-existing stale updates a thing of the past. From a phrase to the current mood and availability, users can share anything they deem sharable via the new disappearing statuses on WhatsApp.

Other users on the platform will be able to view these updates under the user's profile section. Additionally, WABetaInfo notes that the status update will also appear in the conversation header at the top, right under the contact's name.

Users will also have the ability to remove this update even before the set time, if deemed necessary. However, these updates will only be visible to the contacts the user has extended visibility to through privacy settings.

With that said, this new feature is currently under development and not yet available to beta testers. However, we are looking forward to the feature rolling out to beta testers, followed by general availability soon.