WhatsApp launches private mentions, likes, and reshare in status update; Here’s what you need to know

Meta-owned instant messaging platform, WhatsApp has introduced a new set of features including new status likes and private mentions features for Android and iOS users.

Likes on Status is a new feature that lets you acknowledge a contact’s status update by touching the heart emoji. Private mentions allow users to mention and tag contacts in their status updates. People who have been mentioned can reshare the status on their accounts, but the mention will be concealed from anyone who views it. Similar functions are currently available on Facebook and Instagram.

WhatsApp Status like Update

WhatsApp revealed new updates to its Status feature which include “status likes” and private remarks for all users. Status Likes allows users to recognize a contact’s status by touching the heart emoji, similar to Instagram story likes. However, these likes are secret, with no public alerts or counters. Only the person who created the status may see who liked it from the list of viewers.

Private mentions on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has also launched a feature called “Private Mention” that allows users to mention and alert contacts in status updates. The audience of the tagged contacts can easily share the status with their own friends list. It works similarly to naming friends on Facebook or Instagram stories; but, on WhatsApp, the tags are not accessible and do not appear in the status.

This new WhatsApp update improves users’ control over their private connections. Status Likes are a more indirect way to say thank you, but Private Mentions allow users to speak with a specific circle of friends more privately.

When will the new WhatsApp update be available for users?

The new WhatsApp update that comes with Status Likes and Private Mentions is now live after the feature was found previously concealed for a long time. WhatsApp has also indicated it will expand the features to both the Status and Updates tabs in a few months.