WhatsApp gets its own Instagram Notes-like feature

WhatsApp is getting its own version of a status update feature, similar to Instagram Notes.

As on Instagram, the new feature allows users of the Meta-owned messaging app to post a short text update that can be seen by others. In this space, you could let people know what you’re up to or what’s new in your life.

The company suggests users could also post something that could serve as a conversation starter, or they could use the space to share why they might not be available to talk at present.

While the addition may be new to many, the company points out in a blog post that this “About” feature, as it’s called, was actually WhatsApp’s first feature. Before WhatsApp focused on secure, private messaging, it allowed people to quickly share short updates like this.

With the feature’s relaunch, WhatsApp is making users’ “About” status more visible than before. Others will now be able to see your status at the top of their one-on-one chats with friends and users’ profiles. Plus, users can tap on someone’s About status in a chat to reply to it directly.

Like Instagram Notes, the WhatsApp About status will disappear in a day by default.

However, the company says users can adjust the timer if they want to have it disappear more quickly or stick around longer than 24 hours. Plus, users can decide whether their About status can be seen by just their contacts or if it’s more publicly visible.

At launch, the feature is not as robust as Instagram Notes, which also supports short, looping videos and offers integrations that let you share the music you’re streaming. But if the new feature sees wide adoption, those types of improvements could come in time.

WhatsApp says the feature is rolling out to users on mobile devices starting this week.