Meta’s instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, has unveiled a new feature that allows users to add music to their status updates. With this latest update, users can now enhance their WhatsApp Status by adding a selected segment of a song to accompany a photo or video.
According to an official blog post by WhatsApp, this feature is gradually being rolled out worldwide for both Android and iOS users, with full availability expected in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has simplified the process of adding music to status updates. Follow these steps to incorporate music into your status:
Open WhatsApp and navigate to the "Updates" tab.
Tap on "Add status" and select a photo or video to upload.
On the status editing screen, tap the newly introduced music icon at the top.
Search for a song or select one from the available list.
Tap the arrow next to your selected track to access the editing screen.
Select a specific portion of the song you want to include and tap "Done."
Press the send button to post your updated status.
WhatsApp specifies that users can choose up to 15 seconds of a song for a photo status and up to 60 seconds for a video status. Additionally, the platform’s music library contains millions of tracks, ensuring users have a wide selection to pick from.
In addition to the music feature, WhatsApp has introduced another major update for iPhone users. This update allows WhatsApp to be set as the default app for both calls and messaging on iPhones.
With this new functionality, iPhone users can now set WhatsApp as their default app for making calls and sending messages. Once activated, users can tap on a contact or phone number to reach out directly via WhatsApp instead of using the native phone or messaging apps. However, this feature is only available for iPhones running iOS 18.2 or later.
To enable WhatsApp as the default messaging or calling app, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the "Apps" section.
Select the "Default Apps" option from the menu.
Choose either "Messaging" or "Calling" (or both) as the default category.
Select WhatsApp from the list of supported apps.
Once configured, WhatsApp will handle all default messaging and calling functions on your iPhone, making it more convenient for frequent users of the app.
The new music feature for status updates is part of WhatsApp’s broader strategy to enhance user engagement and keep pace with competitors such as Instagram and Snapchat. By incorporating multimedia elements like music, WhatsApp aims to offer users a richer and more interactive experience. Additionally, the ability to set WhatsApp as the default calling and messaging app on iPhones further strengthens its position as a leading instant messaging service.
With these updates, WhatsApp continues to evolve, catering to the dynamic preferences of its global user base. The platform is expected to roll out more exciting features in the near future, further solidifying its role as a key player in digital communication.