WhatsApp, the leading messaging app globally with over 2.5 billion active users, has experienced a dynamic year, marked by significant updates and user feedback. Despite controversies surrounding privacy policy updates, the platform continues to innovate, introducing new features to enhance user experience. Here’s a glimpse of some upcoming WhatsApp features to anticipate:
Communities
WhatsApp is testing a feature called “communities,” allowing group admins to create communities comprising sub-groups or collections of groups. These communities will have a distinct squared icon with rounded edges, facilitating easier communication among related groups. Admins can bring together multiple groups under one community, streamlining message sharing and communication.
Sticker Store
WhatsApp is enhancing its desktop and web app functionalities, recently launching a tool to create stickers directly from images. Now, the platform is testing a sticker store, enabling users to select stickers for sending via the desktop or web app. While users can access the same sticker apps available on mobile, downloads to laptops or PCs are not supported. Currently in beta testing, this feature promises to enrich sticker sharing experiences.
Message Reactions
In line with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp is developing message reaction capabilities, allowing users to react to messages using various emojis. With six emoji reactions planned, users can view who reacted with which emoji. While still in development, this feature aims to add expressive dimensions to chat interactions.
Enhanced Group Admin Controls
WhatsApp is empowering group admins with enhanced control features, enabling them to delete any message within group chats. Deleted messages will remain visible to other group members, providing admins with greater moderation capabilities. Expected to roll out in a future update, this feature offers admins more oversight and management options.
Forward Stickers Without Saving
A shortcut button for forwarding stickers is being introduced, allowing users to easily share stickers without first saving them. Currently available to beta testers, this feature streamlines the sticker forwarding process, eliminating the need to save stickers before sharing.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, these upcoming features promise to enrich user interactions, streamline communication, and enhance overall messaging experiences. Keep an eye out for these exciting updates as they roll out in the coming months.
