WhatsApp is introducing a feature which allows users to add music tracks to status updates, additional personalization and engagement with others. The feature, based on Instagram’s music feature, is already out for beta users in limited capacity on Android and iOS and will be expanding in the coming weeks. The users can search through a huge music library, search for artists, music, or trending songs, and select certain portions of songs to accompany their status updates. Music clips used for photo-based statuses are limited to 15 seconds, and video statuses may contain music up to the duration of the video.
While composing a status update, users will be able to access a music button in the editor screen along with other options such as stickers and text. Upon choosing a song, the audience of the status will be able to view the song title, artist information, and album cover image on the update. The audience can also tap on the song name to visit the artist’s Instagram account, promoting music discovery as well as cross-platform interaction.
This function also tries to make WhatsApp more interactive for users who enjoy utilizing music as an expression of self. It offers another degree of personalization to status messages, which is following the trend on other social networking sites like Instagram and Snapchat. The integration makes use of Meta’s already established agreements with major music suppliers in order to offer a wide library.
Release of the feature marks another milestone in the saga of the evolution of WhatsApp status updates, which have previously added features like individual mentions, likes, poll stickers, and control for privacy. With this new addition, WhatsApp continues to borrow winning ideas from Instagram but applying them to its message-centric users.
Although already in beta testing, the feature is likely to be a hit with users who post statuses frequently and like to include music in their social interactions. As WhatsApp continues to hone this feature and gears up for broader release, it will likely become a standard feature for creative expression on the app.
