WhatsApp is set to introduce a significant update this week, reintroducing a feature known as About but with a new approach. This feature, which was present in the early stages of the messaging app, is being revamped to offer users an easy and prompt way to share updates about their lives.
The purpose of bringing back About, as explained by WhatsApp, is to provide users with a simple and visible platform to share current happenings in their lives. The Meta-owned company stated, “Today we’re reintroducing and improving About, making it more visible, timely, and easier to use.”
The new About feature allows users to quickly add updates about their lives using a brief phrase and an emoji, enabling them to inform others about their availability for chatting or what they want to discuss. This status will be prominently displayed at the top of the chat window for easy visibility by others.
WhatsApp clarified that About will be more accessible at the top of both individual chats and user profiles. Users can interact with someone’s About directly by tapping on it within a chat. Additionally, About will automatically expire after 24 hours, but users have the option to customize the duration by accessing Settings and choosing a timer.
For those concerned about privacy, WhatsApp ensures that users have control over who can view their About status. Privacy settings allow users to restrict the visibility of their About status to only their contacts or broaden its accessibility.
The updated About feature will be gradually rolled out to all mobile users starting this week by WhatsApp.