WhatsApp Introduces User Tagging in Status Updates

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to tag other people in their Status updates, further enhancing the platform's Instagram Stories-like functionality. The addition aims to make it easier for users to connect with friends and family on the popular messaging app.

whatsapp status user tagging
The new tagging feature enables users to mention up to five other WhatsApp accounts in their Status updates. When tagged, these users will receive a private notification and have the option to reshare the Status on their own account. WhatsApp says it has built in privacy controls, allowing users to tag someone without explicitly displaying their name in the Status.

In addition to tagging, WhatsApp is also introducing a "like" feature for Status updates. Similar to Instagram Stories, users can now react to their friends' Status posts with a single tap, providing a quick way to acknowledge the content without sending a full message.

"WhatsApp Status is the best way to stay connected with friends and family and now we're making it even better," the Meta-owned company said in a blog post. "With status likes, private mentions and the ability to reshare a status you're mentioned in, we're making it easier to reach the people who matter most."

The Status updates come on the heels of new video call effects, including filters and custom backgrounds, that were announced by WhatsApp earlier this week.

The effects allow users to apply 10 different filters and choose from 10 background options during video calls. Both the Status tagging feature and the new video call effects are rolling out to all WhatsApp users globally over the coming weeks.

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Top Rated Comments

GuilleA Avatar
18 weeks ago
OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mrkevinfinnerty Avatar
18 weeks ago
pls stop. Just stop.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
farkingdom Avatar
18 weeks ago
And more than a decade later, WhatsApp iPad is still missing
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tyr2 Avatar
18 weeks ago
I can't recall anyone ever setting their status to anything other than whatever they chose when they first signed up. Who gives a crap about someone's WhatsApp status??
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LowKeyed Avatar
18 weeks ago

This is happening to so many services and I don't get it. Is it that the kids really like this and use it? Or is it just more corporate marketing research showing that the kids like Stories so we need a Story too or we'll be late on Stories!
It is to drive engagement / usage. The more you get feedback on your activities, the more likely you are to continue to use the service and hopefully (for Meta at least) increase your usage. The more information/usage they are able to view/record the easier it is to monetize that information. And while in WA, they don't have access to the content of your messages, they do retain all the data associated with the message, such as locations, who's getting it, when it was sent, etc... They can couple that information with other known details to improve there profile of you, which makes it easier to monetize your actives.

There is a large body of work that documents the "Dopamine Release and Reward System" response to attention being paid to your online activities. This forum uses it, it's why you can like a person's post and you get notified that someone reacted to your post on the top of the screen, which gives you a little rush, which keeps you coming back for more.

It is all part of the process to create an addiction.

Ok, I'll remove my tin foil hat now. :D
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
18 weeks ago

OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.
imo the likeliest explanation for this is Meta's never-ending worry of losing the younger demographics of the market, hence the need to keep introducing social media-like functionality to WA
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)