WhatsApp is enhancing its privacy options with the launch of a new feature called “Close Friends” for status updates. Similar to Instagram's well-received feature, this allows users to share photos, videos, and text updates exclusively with a select group of trusted contacts, rather than with their entire contact list.

This feature was first identified in the iOS beta version and is targeted at WhatsApp's 1.5 billion daily Status users. By allowing for more private and selective sharing, WhatsApp is not only aiming to foster closer connections among users but also reinforcing Meta's overarching strategy of cross-app integration.

With the Close Friends feature, users can create a curated list of contacts directly within WhatsApp's privacy settings. Once the list is established, any status updates can be shared exclusively with this group. Updates intended for Close Friends will display a distinct colored ring around the Status icon, indicating that these updates are meant for a limited audience. Importantly, the list of Close Friends remains confidential; users will not be notified if they have been added or removed from someone’s list. Notably, updates shared with Close Friends are not retroactive. If a user adds someone to their Close Friends list later on, that individual will only have access to new posts going forward, not any previously shared content. As with all WhatsApp status updates, these are secured with end-to-end encryption and will automatically disappear after 24 hours.

WhatsApp previously offered some privacy settings, such as “Only Share With” and “My Contacts Except,” which required frequent adjustments. The Close Friends feature simplifies this by allowing users to create a list once, making it easier to share private content as desired. This development highlights WhatsApp’s alignment with Instagram, as Meta seeks to create a cohesive experience across its platforms that encourages user interaction while maintaining high engagement rates. 

The introduction of the Close Friends feature coincides with several other enhancements designed to improve security and user convenience, including:Integration of Meta AI assists users in drafting messages, answering questions, and generating images. Users can search chats by specific dates, facilitating easy access to older conversations. The ability to operate two WhatsApp accounts on a single device supports users in managing both work and personal communications.

Users can now send photos and videos in high definition, preserving detail and clarity. Enhanced privacy measures allow users to protect sensitive conversations using biometric security and log in without relying on SMS codes. 

At present, the Close Friends feature is available exclusively to iOS beta testers. WhatsApp has not yet announced a timeline for its rollout to Android users or for a global release. However, due to its success on Instagram, a broader rollout is anticipated soon. As is customary with new features, WhatsApp's deployment will be shaped by user feedback from the beta testing phase, which may lead to adjustments before wider availability.