WhatsApp has introduced a feature to allow users to add music to their Status updates in order to make them more engaging and personalized. The feature allows users to select songs from a huge music library provided by Meta, the same one available on Instagram. Users can select any portion of the track to use in their Status, with audio clips playing up to 15 seconds for photo updates and up to the length of video updates.
The functionality is accessible via a new music note button on the Status editor page, situated alongside other editing features like stickers and text. Once a song is added, viewers can see the track details, including the artist’s name and album art, as a label on the Status. They can also tap on the artist’s Instagram profile directly from WhatsApp, facilitating discovery and engagement with musical content.
Now open to select beta testers on Android and iOS, the feature should be rolled out globally in the next few weeks. It makes WhatsApp’s functionality more aligned with Instagram’s, offering users a similar experience across Meta applications. Music shared through WhatsApp Status posts is end-to-end encrypted, offering privacy as only friends can view the shared music.
The feature aims to make Status updates more engaging and fun by enabling users to express moods or moments with fitting soundtracks. It also introduces an interactive element whereby contacts can discover new music or artists via shared updates. The move by WhatsApp echoes its ongoing efforts at enhancing user experience and application use time by introducing features from other prominent social media applications.
In addition to this music feature, WhatsApp has also launched other recent updates such as new camera effects, selfie stickers, sticker pack sharing, and faster reaction options. These updates collectively make the platform more fun and convenient to use while staying abreast of evolving trends in digital communication and social media interaction.
