WhatsApp, the popular Meta-owned instant messaging platform, is reportedly testing a new privacy-focused feature that will give users more control over who sees their Status updates. Inspired by Instagram’s popular “Close Friends” option, the feature aims to make Status sharing more private and intentional.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, a known WhatsApp tipster publication, the new “Close Friends” feature is currently spotted in beta versions of WhatsApp for Android, including versions 2.26.5.11 and 2.26.5.13, signalling another step in WhatsApp’s gradual expansion beyond basic messaging.
More Control Over Status Privacy
The upcoming Close Friends feature will allow users to share specific Status updates with a smaller, handpicked group of contacts instead of their entire contact list. This means they can create custom lists for Status updates, eliminating the need to adjust privacy settings repeatedly.
The feature is aimed at users who want to post personal photos, thoughts, or updates without broadcasting them to everyone. Once set up, a dedicated Close Friends list can be selected while posting a Status, making the process faster and more intuitive.
How The Close Friends Feature Will Work?
Users will be able to manage their Close Friends list either through Status privacy settings or directly from the Status posting screen. When sharing a Status, they can simply choose the Close Friends list instead of manually selecting contacts each time.
Flexible Lists With Clear Visual Cues
WhatsApp is keeping the feature flexible. Users can add or remove contacts from their Close Friends list at any time, though changes will only apply to future Status updates. Anyone who has already viewed a Status will continue to have access, even if they are removed from the list later.
To make Close Friends updates easily recognisable, WhatsApp is expected to show a different coloured ring around the user’s profile photo — similar to how Instagram highlights Close Friends stories.
Custom Status Lists Beyond Close Friends
In addition to Close Friends, WhatsApp is also testing custom Status lists that users can personalise with names and emojis, allowing users to create multiple groups such as family, work colleagues, or close circles.
Still Under Development, No Rollout Date Yet
The Close Friends feature and custom Status lists are still under development, and WhatsApp has not announced an official release timeline. As with other WhatsApp features, it is expected to roll out gradually, starting with beta testers and later to the wider user base.
If launched widely, the update could make WhatsApp Status feel more private and less like a public broadcast, encouraging more users to share updates without worrying about unintended viewers.
