WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that could allow users to share Status updates with a limited group of contacts, similar to Instagram’s Close Friends option. The feature aims to offer greater control over who can view specific updates, making it easier to share personal moments with a smaller, trusted audience.
The feature is still under development and is expected to arrive first for beta testers, followed by a wider rollout at a later stage. If introduced, it could eliminate the need to adjust Status privacy settings every time users want to share something privately.
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the Close Friends option for Status updates has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.5.13. While WhatsApp has not officially announced a release timeline, beta testers are likely to gain early access before the feature becomes available to all users.
The report suggests that WhatsApp has been working on custom contact lists for Status updates, allowing users to group people into personalised categories rather than changing privacy settings for each post. Building on this functionality, WhatsApp is now reportedly developing a dedicated Close Friends list, offering a simpler and more private way to share updates with selected contacts.
Users are expected to have two methods to create and manage their Close Friends list:
Selecting contacts directly through Status privacy settings
Managing the list from within the Status screen itself
WhatsApp is also expected to allow users to edit the Close Friends list at any time, although changes would only apply to Status updates posted after the modifications.
According to the feature tracker, contacts included in the Close Friends list will see a different coloured ring around the user’s profile picture. This visual indicator will signal that the Status update was shared privately and confirm the viewer’s inclusion in the Close Friends list—mirroring how the feature works on Instagram.
In addition to the Close Friends Status feature, a recent report suggests that WhatsApp is also developing an optional subscription plan. This plan could unlock exclusive features such as premium stickers, themes, and additional chat pinning options, further expanding WhatsApp’s feature set.
If rolled out widely, the Close Friends Status feature could significantly improve privacy and content control on WhatsApp. By offering a dedicated option for sharing updates with a smaller audience, WhatsApp would align more closely with Instagram while preserving its focus on private communication.