WhatsApp Now Lets You Use Voice Messages as Status Updates

WhatsApp is rolling out new ways to personalize your status updates. With the latest update, you will be able to add voice messages that are up to 30 seconds long on your WhatsApp status. Besides voice status, WhatsApp is introducing a slew of new features such as status reactions, status profile rings for new updates, link previews, and privacy settings for status updates.

WhatsApp is releasing these updates globally, and the new features will be available to all users in the coming weeks. Here's what's new in WhatsApp's status updates:

WhatsApp Voice Status

With voice status, you will be able to record and share voice messages that are up to 30 seconds long and set them as status updates. To do so, you will have to head over to the status screen and tap the microphone icon to record the voice note.

This feature offers a convenient way for users to share their updates without the hassle of typing or choosing an image. Prior to the update, WhatsApp status only supported text, images, videos, and GIFs.

Private Audience Selector

The latest update introduces a feature called "private audience selector" that lets you choose who views your status updates. The status screen gets a new audience selector button which lets you manage the visibility of your status updates. The last privacy selection will be saved for your next update. Before the update, users would have to navigate to privacy settings and select who could see their status.

Status Reactions

WhatsApp is rolling out status reactions to more users with the latest update. This feature allows you to quickly respond to status updates by swiping up and selecting one of eight emojis. The emoji options are - 😍,😂,😮,😥,🙏,👏,🎉, and 💯. This works similar to Instagram's story reactions.

Status Profile Rings

WhatsApp has also broadened the availability of status profile rings to more users. The ring appears around your contact's profile picture whenever they have a new status update. These profile rings will be visible in chat lists, contact information, and group participant lists.

Link Previews

The latest update will allow you to see a preview of your link before posting it in your status. This will help you get a better idea of how your status will appear before posting.