Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a new privacy-oriented update for its Status feature. The platform, which already allows users to control who sees their updates through the “Only Share With” option, is now developing an easier and more personalized tool called Close Friends. This update, first spotted in iOS beta version 25.23.10.80, mirrors the popular Instagram feature that lets users share Stories exclusively with selected friends.

The addition of Close Friends on WhatsApp Status aims to provide users with more privacy, control, and personalization when sharing their everyday moments. This move also brings WhatsApp closer in line with Instagram’s user experience, offering a seamless social integration across Meta platforms.

What is the Close Friends Feature on WhatsApp?

The new feature will allow users to create a dedicated list of trusted contacts under “Close Friends.” Once the list is set, Status updates can be restricted to this group rather than being visible to the entire contact list. This ensures greater control over personal content.

Much like Instagram, a Status shared with Close Friends will appear with a distinctive ring color, letting the viewer know it is intended for a private group. Importantly, the list remains confidential, meaning no one will know whether they are part of someone’s Close Friends or not.

Why the Close Friends Feature Matters

For years, WhatsApp users have relied on broadcast lists, groups, and privacy settings to control visibility of their posts. However, many still hesitated to share personal updates because of the lack of an intuitive way to restrict audiences.

The Close Friends feature solves this problem by making the process simple and user-friendly. Instead of manually choosing contacts each time, users can select from a pre-created Close Friends list while posting a Status.

Privacy and User Control

Privacy has always been one of the strongest expectations of WhatsApp users. With over two billion active users worldwide, the app serves as both a messaging platform and a social sharing tool. But not all updates are meant for everyone.

The Close Friends option will allow users to share more openly without worrying about professional contacts, distant relatives, or acquaintances viewing every update. This ensures personal moments remain within a trusted circle.

How the Feature Works

The feature is currently being tested in iOS beta version 25.23.10.80. Users on this version can already create a Close Friends list within the app. When uploading a Status, they are given two main options: share with all contacts or share only with Close Friends.

Just like Instagram Stories, these exclusive Status updates will be visually distinct. The unique ring color around the Status indicates it is limited to Close Friends. This ensures clarity for the user without revealing the list to others.

Advantages for Users

The new feature is expected to bring multiple advantages:

• Greater privacy and comfort: Users can confidently share personal updates knowing only trusted contacts will view them.

• Simpler interface: The list-based approach is far more convenient compared to selecting contacts manually each time.

• Consistent experience: The update creates a sense of uniformity across Meta’s platforms, aligning WhatsApp with Instagram.

Testing and Rollout Plans

At present, the Close Friends feature is in the testing phase and available only to iOS beta users. Reports suggest that WhatsApp will expand the rollout to Android and other platforms after testing is complete. Meta typically follows a phased approach, testing features in beta before a global release.

The timeline for the official release has not been confirmed, but industry experts believe it could arrive in the next major update.

Why This Feature Reflects Changing Social Media Trends

Social media platforms have evolved beyond open sharing to focus on more intimate and personalized interactions. Instagram’s Close Friends option has been successful in encouraging users to post Stories they might not share publicly. WhatsApp seems to be adopting a similar approach to encourage more authentic sharing on its Status feature.

With increasing concerns over digital privacy, the demand for audience-specific sharing tools has grown. The introduction of Close Friends is WhatsApp’s response to this shift, empowering users to choose their audience with greater ease.

How It Will Impact Daily Use

The introduction of Close Friends could transform how users engage with WhatsApp Status. Currently, many avoid using the feature altogether because of its broad visibility. By narrowing the audience, users may feel more comfortable posting frequent updates, making the Status feature livelier and more engaging.

This change could also influence social dynamics. With only select people able to see certain updates, users may strengthen bonds with their closest friends, while keeping casual acquaintances at a distance.

Broader Implications for Meta Ecosystem

The new feature also reflects Meta’s strategy of aligning features across its platforms. By offering similar privacy tools on Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta ensures a consistent user experience. This encourages users to adopt cross-platform behaviors, increasing engagement and retention across the ecosystem.

It may also enhance competition with other messaging and social apps that already prioritize private sharing, such as Snapchat and Telegram. By refining WhatsApp’s Status feature, Meta aims to make it a stronger player in the private social sharing space.

WhatsApp’s decision to introduce an Instagram-like Close Friends feature for Status updates is a significant step toward improving user privacy and personalization. Currently available in iOS beta version 25.23.10.80, the feature will soon expand to all platforms.

By allowing users to create a trusted circle and share updates exclusively with them, WhatsApp is making its Status feature more appealing and user-friendly. This change not only enhances privacy but also aligns WhatsApp with broader trends in social media that prioritize close-knit sharing over mass broadcasting.

As Meta prepares for a wider rollout, the Close Friends option could become one of the most popular features on WhatsApp, encouraging more authentic, frequent, and secure sharing among users.