How to Use WhatsApp’s New About Feature: Instagram Notes-Style Update Arrives

WhatsApp is reviving its classic "About" feature with a fresh, modern design that closely resembles Instagram's Notes. The updated feature now appears more prominently inside the app, offering users a quick way to share short text updates at the top of chats.

WhatsApp is also giving users full control over who can view these updates, reinforcing its focus on privacy and enhanced user interaction. With this reintroduction, the platform aims to bring back one of its oldest features in a more engaging, user-friendly format.

What's New in WhatsApp's Updated About Feature?

WhatsApp confirms that the revamped About feature will now appear at the top of individual chats and on contact profile pages, making it more visible and easier to access. When someone posts an About update, it will display prominently, similar to Instagram Notes.

Users can:

• Tap an About update to reply directly within the chat
• See the update disappear after 24 hours (default duration)
• Customize the visibility duration in settings

WhatsApp emphasizes that the goal is to make quick updates more intuitive without overcrowding the interface.

Privacy Controls: Decide Who Can See Your About Updates

WhatsApp maintains its strong privacy approach by allowing users to select who can view their About updates. The visibility settings mirror those of WhatsApp Status.

You can choose to share your About updates with:

• All contacts
• Selected contacts only
• Contacts except... (to hide from specific users)

This ensures you remain in control of your personal information and online availability.

How to Set Up Your WhatsApp About Update (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps to post your new About update:

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp and Open Settings
Step 2: Access the About Feature (Tap the "What's happening" text under your name OR Tap your profile picture, then choose Set About)
Step 3: Create Your About Update (Type a short text update, up to 50 characters OR Choose from WhatsApp's preset suggestions)
Step 4: Adjust Visibility Duration (Choose how long your update stays visible)
Step 5: Save Your Update (Confirm your selection)

What You Can and Can't Do With the New About Feature

While the new design is comparable to Instagram Notes, WhatsApp keeps things simple. Users can share:
• Short text messages
• Emoji updates

However, unlike Instagram Notes, WhatsApp does not support:

• Music snippets
• Location sharing
• Multimedia additions

This minimalist approach focuses on quick, clutter-free updates.

Rollout Timeline: When Will You Get the Updated About Feature?

WhatsApp has started rolling out the upgraded About feature globally, and all users are expected to receive it this week. The company notes that the About feature holds historical importance, as it was one of the platform's earliest functionalities.

In a blog post, WhatsApp said: "About was our first feature. Even before private and secure messaging, we made it simple for you to quickly share what's up in your life. Today we're reintroducing and improving About, making it more visible, timely, and easier to use."

Why This Update Matters

By refreshing the About feature, WhatsApp is modernizing a legacy element while strengthening user engagement. The new interface is designed to help users communicate availability, share quick thoughts, and stay connected - all while maintaining privacy and simplicity.