WhatsApp Will Soon Show How Many People Are Online in Group Chats and Notify You of Unread Messages

WhatsApp is working on two new features aimed at enhancing the group chat experience and making message management more efficient. The online counter for group chats and message reminder feature are currently in testing and could soon roll out to a wider audience.

Online Counter for Group Chats

One of the features being tested is an online counter, which shows the number of group members currently online. This update was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.25.30 by WABetaInfo. The counter appears at the top of group chats, just below the group name, providing an instant snapshot of group activity.

The online counter indicates how many members are connected to WhatsApp at a given moment, making it easier to gauge the best time to start a discussion or share time-sensitive updates. However, the feature respects privacy settings, so users who have turned off their online visibility won't be included in the count.

What You Should Know:

• It doesn't track whether members are actively participating in the chat; it only reflects those with the app open and connected to the internet.

• This feature could be particularly useful for groups where timing is crucial, such as work teams or event planning committees.

Currently, the online counter is available to a limited number of beta testers, but it's expected to reach more users in the coming weeks as WhatsApp refines the feature.

Message Reminders

In addition to the online counter, WhatsApp is testing a message reminder feature designed to help users manage unread conversations. According to WABetaInfo, this feature was first spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.25.29.

The message reminder builds on an earlier notification system for unviewed status updates, now extending it to unread chats. Users will receive gentle reminders about messages they haven't yet opened, ensuring important conversations don't slip through the cracks.

How It Works:

• Notifications highlight unread chats, making it easier to stay on top of multiple conversations.

• The feature could be especially helpful for users who often juggle personal, work, and group chats.

Rollout Details

These features might soon be available to a wider audience across beta and stable channels. Keep an eye out for updates as more information comes in.