What is WhatsApp status and who sees it - briefly?
WhatsApp Status is a feature that allows users to share text, photos, videos, or GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. Only contacts saved in the user's phone can see their Status updates, ensuring privacy and control over who views the content.
What is WhatsApp status and who sees it - in detail?
WhatsApp Status is a feature that allows users to share text, photos, videos, and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. Introduced in February 2017, this feature was inspired by the Stories function on Snapchat and Instagram, aiming to provide a more dynamic and ephemeral way of communicating with friends and family.
When a user updates their WhatsApp Status, it is visible to their contacts who have saved the user's phone number in their address book. The visibility of a Status update depends on several factors:
-
Privacy Settings: Users can control who sees their Status updates by adjusting their privacy settings. There are three main options available:
- My Contacts: Only the contacts saved in the user's phone will see the Status updates.
- My Contacts Except...: All contacts except those specifically excluded will be able to view the Status updates.
- Only Share with...: The user can select specific contacts or groups to share their Status updates with, providing a higher level of control over visibility.
-
Blocked Contacts: If a contact is blocked by the user, they will not be able to see the user's Status updates, regardless of the privacy settings selected.
-
Group Chats: Status updates are not visible in group chats. However, if a user shares their Status update directly within a group chat, all members of that group can view it until it expires after 24 hours.
-
Last Seen: The last time the user was online (Last Seen) is also affected by privacy settings. If a contact's Last Seen is not visible to you, you will not be able to see their Status updates either, even if they have chosen to share with everyone.
In summary, WhatsApp Status allows users to share fleeting moments and updates with their contacts in a fun and engaging way. The visibility of these updates is governed by the user's privacy settings, ensuring that only those intended can view them. This feature has become an integral part of WhatsApp, enhancing the app's functionality and providing users with more options for expressing themselves within their network of friends and family.