WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to post questions via status updates and record answers in the form of a dedicated response panel. This move is in line with the platform's habit of borrowing existing Instagram features regularly.
First spotted by WABetaInfo, this work-in-progress feature is part of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.8 update. Users will be able to add question stickers to their status updates, just like it is done on Instagram.
However, just like Instagram, WhatsApp will also limit the response to one question per status update. Therefore, if a user intends to ask multiple questions, they will need to post multiple status updates for each question.
As it is evident from the above image, these questions are customisable based on what the user intends to gather data about. Once posted, responses can be gathered from the user's contact list or from a select few via the status interface itself.
WhatsApp will record these responses and compile the answers inside a dedicated list which can only be viewed by the original poster. This will be a detailed list with the name of the responded and the response they have submitted. Also, just like Instagram, the original poster can share the responses received via status updates without revealing the identity of the respondent.
This new feature will allow businesses and channel owners on WhatsApp to better collect data and feedback via status updates itself. Especially because the platform recently announced that it will add advertisements to WhatsApp statuses. Even regular users can take advantage of question stickers to ask fun and quirky questions, giving them another way to interact with their friends.
With that said, the ability to ask questions via status updates is currently in development and available to a select few on WhatsApp Beta for Android. There is no news regarding WhatsApp users on iOS. However, given the platform's history, it will eventually roll out to every Android and iPhone user.
