WhatsApp is stepping up its privacy game with the WhatsApp Close Friends Status. Much like Instagram’s popular Close Friends option, this new feature allows users to share photos, videos, and text updates with a smaller, curated list of trusted contacts. Instead of broadcasting every status to your full contact list, you now have the power to decide exactly who sees your most personal updates.
For WhatsApp’s 1.5 billion daily Status users, this marks a significant shift. Status has always been central to the platform, yet many users hesitated to post freely, concerned that acquaintances or professional contacts might view something too private. With Close Friends, WhatsApp provides a safe and selective space for sharing moments more intimately.
When creating a new status update, a “Share with…” option will appear, letting you choose your customized Close Friends list, which you can build within WhatsApp’s privacy settings. To make it visually distinct, updates shared with this group will display a unique colored ring around the Status icon, signaling exclusivity. Importantly, the list itself remains private—no one will know if you add or remove them. The feature is also not retroactive, meaning newly added friends will only see future posts. As always, updates remain end-to-end encrypted and automatically disappear after 24 hours.
Previously, WhatsApp offered controls like “Only Share With” and “My Contacts Except,” but these required frequent adjustments. Now, once your Close Friends list is set up, you can share privately with a single tap. This simplification empowers users with greater control over their digital presence while removing the friction of constantly tweaking settings.
Beyond convenience, the updatestrengthens Meta’s strategy of aligning its platforms more closely. By introducing similar features across WhatsApp and Instagram, Meta is encouraging cross-app familiarity while boosting engagement. This update also reflects a broader trend in social media: the growing demand for both wide-reaching connections and private, intimate sharing. Users increasingly want the best of both worlds, and WhatsApp is responding to that need.
Close Friends isn’t the only new feature arriving on WhatsApp. The platform has also rolled out several enhancements designed to improve security and usability. Among these are Meta AI, which can help draft messages, answer questions, and even generate images; a “Search by Date” function to quickly find old chats; the option to run multiple accounts on one device; high-definition photo and video sharing; and extra protections such as Locked Chats and Passkeys for securing sensitive conversations.
At present, the WhatsApp Close Friends Status is available only to iOS beta testers (version 25.23.10.80 via TestFlight). A wider release is expected soon, likely reaching Android users next. As is common with WhatsApp updates, the global rollout will depend on user feedback during the testing phase.
FAQ
1. What is WhatsApp Close Friends Status?
It’s a feature that lets you share status updates with a private, customized list of close contacts rather than your full contact list.
2. Is WhatsApp Close Friends Status private?
Yes. Your Close Friends list is visible only to you, and all updates remain end-to-end encrypted and disappear after 24 hours.
3. Who can use WhatsApp Close Friends Status now?
Currently, it is limited to iOS beta testers, but it is expected to roll out to all users soon.
