Desk: WhatsApp is soon going to make a big change in its status feature, which will give users more privacy control. According to the new report, Close Friends status option like Instagram is being added to the app. With its help, users will be able to share their updates only with selected people. The advantage of this feature will be that there will be no need to change privacy settings every time. The feature is currently in the testing stage and can be availed by beta users first.

According to the report, WhatsApp is preparing a feature by which status updates will be visible only to specific people, like the Instagram close friends feature. With this, users will be able to share personal photos, videos or messages in a limited circle. Currently, to change the status privacy, one has to go to the settings every time, but with the new feature this task will become easier. This is considered a big step towards providing a more private and controlled sharing experience. This means that the fun of Instagram will now be available in WhatsApp also.

According to the feature tracker report, this Close Friends status option has been seen during testing in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.5.13. Right now it is in the development phase and the company has not given the official release date. Generally, WhatsApp first tests the feature with beta users and after feedback, makes it available to all users. Therefore, there is a possibility that it will become visible to more people in the coming updates. At present it is being considered as an experimental feature.

The report suggests that users will be able to create their Close Friends list in two ways. The first method would be to prepare a list by selecting the contact under the status privacy setting. Another way could be to manage the list directly from the status screen. Users will be able to change this list at any time, but the changes will only apply to the statuses posted next. This will eliminate the need to adjust privacy separately for each post.

When viewing the status of contacts included in the Close Friends list, a different colored ring may be visible around the profile photo. This will indicate that the status has been shared to a private group and that they are part of that specific list. This system will be similar to Instagram Close Friends ring. This will make it clear to both the user and the viewer that the content is for a limited audience. The report also says that WhatsApp is also working on a subscription plan, in which features like premium stickers, themes and additional chat pins can be available.