WhatsApp is introducing a significant update this week, reintroducing a feature known as About but with a new twist. Longtime users may recall an earlier version of this feature from the app’s inception.
According to WhatsApp, the reintroduction of About aims to provide users with a quick and easy way to share updates about their lives. The company, owned by Meta, stated, “Today we’re reintroducing and enhancing About, making it more visible, timely, and user-friendly.”
So, what exactly does the new About feature do and when can users expect it on their phones? This feature is designed for moments when users want to share updates about their lives. By using a brief phrase and an emoji, users can inform others why they are unavailable to chat or what they want to discuss.
The About status will now be prominently displayed at the top of the chat window, ensuring easy visibility for others. WhatsApp explained, “About will now be more visible at the top of 1-1 chats and on your profile.” Users can also directly respond to someone’s About by tapping on it within a chat. About statuses will expire after one day, but users have the option to make them disappear sooner or last longer by adjusting the timer in the Settings.
For those concerned about privacy, users have control over who can view their About status. In the privacy settings, users can choose to limit visibility to only their contacts or to a broader audience.
WhatsApp has announced that the updated About feature will be gradually rolled out to all mobile users starting this week.