WhatsApp has introduced some new updates to the Status feature for iOS and Android.
The messaging platform has added a new feature called “Voice Status” which gives users the ability to set voice notes up to 30 seconds long as status updates.
Another feature the platform announced is called Private Audience Selector which lets users choose who can view their status updates. The features let users select their audience for every status update they do.
Here are the other updates coming to the Status Feature:
Status Reactions
WhatsApp has also introduced Status Reactions, providing “a quick and easy way to respond to status updates from your friends or close contacts,” the company wrote in its blog.
Reactions let you reply to any status simply by swiping up on it and tapping one of eight emojis, rather than using other means like text, voice messages, and stickers.
Status Profile Ring
Another new update is the “Status Profile Ring” which lets you put a ring around your profile when you share a status update. This ring will be visible in the chat lists, group participant lists, and contact info.
Link Previews on Status
The last update is the ability to automatically see a visual preview when you post a link on your status.
WhatsApp says that visual previews make your statuses look better, and also give your contacts a better idea of what the link is before they click.
WhatsApp says the new updates have started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.