WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, continues to introduce new features to enhance the user experience. Constantly innovating, WhatsApp is testing exciting updates in its beta versions to keep up with user needs. One of the latest features under development allows users to add songs to their WhatsApp status, similar to Instagram’s music feature. Recently, the platform also introduced the ability to mention contacts in status updates, bringing it closer to Instagram’s functionality.
Add Songs to Your WhatsApp Status
The new feature, currently in testing, enables users to add music to their WhatsApp status. Available in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.2.5, this feature is accessible to select beta users. According to WABetaInfo, users can now browse songs from Meta’s music catalog directly within the app.
Here’s how the feature works:
- When updating your status, go to the drawing editor screen.
- You’ll find a new option to add music.
- Browse through the music catalog, which offers a variety of tracks. The catalog is categorized into sections like trending tracks and artist-specific songs.
- Select a song of your choice to add it to your status, just like Instagram’s music feature.
This integration will allow users to personalize their WhatsApp statuses with music, adding an expressive and creative touch to their updates.
How the Music Feature Compares to Instagram
Similar to Instagram’s music library, WhatsApp’s version will let users explore songs from a dedicated catalog. Users can search for their favorite tracks, choose trending options, or explore music by specific artists. Adding music to a status is expected to work seamlessly, enhancing how users share their mood, thoughts, or special moments.
This feature makes WhatsApp more versatile, ensuring it remains competitive with other platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Mention Contacts in Status
Another new feature recently introduced on WhatsApp is the ability to mention contacts in status updates, similar to Instagram stories. This feature allows you to tag specific individuals in your WhatsApp status.
Here’s how to use the mention feature:
- Open WhatsApp and create a status update.
- Click the @ icon displayed below the status box.
- Your entire contact list will appear. Select the contact(s) you want to mention.
- Alternatively, you can type a name in the search bar to quickly find the contact.
When you mention someone, the tagged contact will be notified, but the mention is not visible to everyone viewing your status—it remains exclusive to the person you’ve tagged.
Availability and Rollout
Both the music and mention features are currently being tested in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android. While the music feature is still limited to select beta users, it is expected to roll out to all users in the coming months after successful testing. The mention feature, on the other hand, has already been introduced to a wider audience.
Conclusion
These new updates are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve its platform and offer users a more interactive experience. Adding music to status updates allows for creative self-expression, while the mention feature makes it easier to engage specific individuals. With these features, WhatsApp is stepping up its game, making the app more dynamic and competitive. Users can expect more exciting updates as WhatsApp continues to evolve.
