WhatsApp is testing out a new feature that will allow users to receive notifications when specific contacts post a status update. The feature made an appearance in the latest WhatsApp beta 2.25.22.10 build.
Spotted by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently in development and was discovered in the code of the beta build, which is being rolled out via the Google Play Beta Program. The feature tracker also gave us a good look at how the new WhatsApp status update notifications will work.
Turns out, there will be a notification toggle for each contact on the Status screen. When enabled, users will receive an alert whenever that contact posts a new status update. Most importantly, WhatsApp will not notify the contact that their updates are being tracked this way, thereby keeping user privacy untouched.
This update could be particularly useful for those who follow a large number of contacts but only want to stay updated on posts from a handful of them. This is also similar to how Instagram handles its story notification options.
While there's no official word from WhatsApp on when the feature might go live, its presence in the beta code suggests that it could roll out to beta testers soon, following a public rollout in the coming months.
Not too long ago, the messaging platform was also seen testing out a new feature to ask questions on WhatsApp status updates. Additionally, WhatsApp was also spotted working on a feature to let users share media directly to WhatsApp status via the Android share sheet.
With these features in the pipeline, there's no doubt that WhatsApp is trying to transform from a regular messaging platform to a full-fledged social media application.
