WhatsApp is adding a new feature that lets users tag messages ‘at this moment’ which vanish once opened, or after 24 hours.
The feature was beta tested with users in November last year and will become available on iOS, Android and Windows platforms starting February 24.
WhatsApp Status comes with end-to end encryption and ensures that the status disappears within 24 hours of being set. Privacy settings will allow users to control who sees their status.
Co-founder Jan Koum writes: “We are excited to announce that, coinciding with WhatsApp’s 8th birthday on February 24, we are reinventing the status feature. Starting today, we are rolling out an update to status, which allows you to share photos and videos with your friends and contacts on WhatsApp in an easy and secure way. Yes, even your status updates are end-to-end encrypted.
“Just like eight years ago when we first started WhatsApp, this new and improved status feature will let you keep your friends who use WhatsApp easily updated in a fun and simple way. From all of us at WhatsApp, we hope you enjoy it!”