WhatsApp continues to expand its feature set beyond simple messaging, integrating more privacy‑focused and organisational tools that resemble social app experiences. Recent updates and beta reports show whatsapp is testing Instagram‑style Close Friends lists for Status updates, as well as custom chat lists to better manage conversations.

Instagram‑Style “Close Friends” Feature for Status Updates

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a Close Friends feature for Status, similar to Instagram’s Close Friends list. This feature is currently spotted in development and may arrive in future app updates.

How It Works

Users will be able to create a dedicated list of close contacts within WhatsApp’s Status privacy settings.

When sharing a status update, you can choose to show it only to contacts on your Close Friends list — making it easier to share personal updates privately.

Contacts on the Close Friends list may see a different coloured ring around your profile picture when you post a status just for them, visually indicating exclusive content.

Privacy and Control

Like on Instagram, contacts won’t get notifications when they are added or removed from the Close Friends list — keeping the experience discreet.

The feature builds upon WhatsApp’s existing privacy tools (like “Only Share With” and “My Contacts Except”), offering a more streamlined way to share with a select circle rather than reconfiguring privacy each time.

Custom Chat Lists — Organise Conversations Your Way

Alongside Status enhancements, whatsapp has already introduced a Custom Lists feature that helps users organise their chat inbox.

What Custom Lists Do

Users can create categories (like family, work, neighbourhood) and assign chats to these lists.

Once created, lists appear in the filter bar at the top of the Chats tab, allowing you to quickly switch between groups of conversations without scrolling through all chats.

This makes it easier to prioritise important messages and stay focused, especially if you have a large number of contacts or groups.

How to Use It

Simply tap the “+” icon in the filter bar.

Name your list (for example, “Family” or “Work”) and add contacts or groups.

You can edit or rename lists at any time as your communication needs change.

Why These Changes Matter

WhatsApp’s push toward visual hints and personalised sharing tools reflects shifting user expectations influenced by social platforms like Instagram:

Visual indicators (like different coloured status rings) make shared content easier to interpret at a glance.

Close Friends lists allow users to share photos and updates with only a small circle without hassle.

Custom chat lists help tame clutter and let users focus on what’s most important at any given time.

These features aim to strike a balance between messaging privacy, organisation, and social sharing convenience — without compromising WhatsApp’s core focus on secure, end‑to‑end encrypted communication.

When Will These Features Arrive?

Both the Close Friends feature and expanded custom list tools are currently in development or rolling out gradually, first through beta channels and then to wider availability in future whatsapp updates. Users interested in early access may consider joining WhatsApp’s beta programme where available.

 

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