WHATSAPP is changing its Status feature to be more useful.
A secret update coming to the app has been revealed – potentially months before it goes live.
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WhatsApp regularly trials new features in the “beta test” version of the app.
Now the sleuths at WABetaInfo have unearthed an “under development” change to the app in a screenshot.
Status updates will now have better previews when you share links in status updates.
This brings it more in line with Instagram.
“As you can see in this screenshot, rich link previews will also be available in a future update of WhatsApp beta for Android,” WABetaInfo explained.
“Rich link previews are always generated if the user waits for a few seconds before sharing the link as a status update.
“And the recipients will be able to see them if the feature is enabled for their WhatsApp account.
“This is another improvement for text status updates after introducing small UI changes to some users last week.”
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Sadly it’s impossible to know exactly when this change will go live.
The Status feature is a lot like Stories on Instagram.
It launched in February 2017, and mimicked rival chat apps like Snapchat and Facebook.
But this latest change could be days, weeks or even months away – if it rolls out to the public at all.
If you want to try new WhatsApp features first, follow our guide on how to join the beta.
How to get WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.
Tap the “I’m In” button and then click “Join” to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
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