WhatsApp has launched five new status update features — one of which allows users to record and share 30-second voice messages.
The web-based messaging service said in a statement on Tuesday that the feature will now allow users to express themselves and connect with others.
It will also enable users to send “more personal updates and feel more comfortable with talking.”
“We’re excited to add a set of new features to status on WhatsApp that make it easier to express yourself and connect with others,” the statement reads.
“We’re introducing the ability to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds on WhatsApp status. Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing.
“WhatsApp status is protected by end-to-end encryption so you can share privately and securely.”
The micro-blogging features also include the ‘private audience selector’ which allows flexibility to update your privacy settings.
Another one is the ‘link previews on status’ which lets users see a visual preview of their web link.
Other features are the ‘status profile rings’ for new updates and ‘status reactions.’
Voice status comes months after WhatsApp saw significant traction in voice messages on its platform.
In March last year, the Meta-owned messaging app said that its users were sending an average of 7 billion voice messages daily.
In November, WhatsApp launched a new feature that supports up to 1,024 users.
