WhatsApp is enhancing its Status feature by allowing users to add music to their updates, drawing inspiration from Instagram stories.
This feature is currently being evaluated by a restricted set of beta users on Android and iOS, and it promises to add a layer of creativity and personalization to the platform.
With this update, WhatsApp users will be able to select songs from a library similar to Instagram's. The process involves a new music button in the Status editor, where users can search for tracks, choose their favorites, and even select a specific sample to accompany their photo or video. Music clips for images last for up to 15 seconds, while for videos the duration matches the video's length.
The feature aims to make multimedia content more engaging by offering users a dynamic way to express themselves.
Once shared, users can tap on the music label to know the song details, including the title, artist, and album art. This interactive element improves the experience and may even drive music discovery by linking users to the artist's profile.
The feature is currently available to only a handful of beta testers via TestFlight for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android; the feature is expected to roll out globally in future updates.
WhatsApp's integration of music into Status updates not only increases interaction but also fits with trends commonly seen on Instagram and TikTok. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we use shared moments, making it a more participatory and expressive platform.