WhatsApp May Add ‘Close Friends’ Status Feature for More Private Sharing

WhatsApp is working on a new privacy-focused feature that could soon give users greater control over who sees their Status updates. The messaging platform is developing a ‘Close Friends’ Status feature, allowing users to share selected Status posts with a handpicked group of contacts, similar to Instagram’s Close Friends option.

This feature is designed to simplify private sharing and reduce the need to constantly adjust Status privacy settings.

Feature Spotted in WhatsApp Android Beta

Detected in Version 2.26.5.13

The ‘Close Friends’ Status feature was first spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.26.5.13), according to a report by WABetaInfo. The feature is still under development, and WhatsApp has not officially announced a timeline for its public release.

As with most WhatsApp updates, the feature is expected to roll out to beta testers first before becoming available to all users globally.

How the ‘Close Friends’ Status Feature Could Work

Pre-Set List for Easier Private Sharing

WhatsApp appears to be building this feature on top of its existing Status privacy tools. Instead of manually selecting who can see each Status update, users will be able to create a Close Friends list in advance.

Once the list is created, users can simply choose it while posting a Status, making it easier to share personal updates with a limited audience.

Two Ways to Manage Your Close Friends List

Users may be able to manage their Close Friends list in two ways:

• By adding or removing contacts through Status privacy settings

• By editing the list directly from the Status posting screen

This approach allows quick and flexible control without disrupting the posting experience.

Changes Apply Only to Future Status Updates

An important detail is that any changes made to the Close Friends list will only affect future Status posts. Previously shared Status updates will remain visible only to the audience originally selected, ensuring consistency and privacy.

Visual Indicator for Close Friends Status

Coloured Ring Around Profile Picture

WhatsApp is also reportedly adding a visual cue to distinguish Close Friends Status updates. When a user posts a Close Friends-only Status, a coloured ring will appear around their profile picture.

This lets viewers know that the update was shared with a restricted audience, mirroring how Instagram signals Close Friends content.

Other WhatsApp Features in Development

Paid Subscription Plan Being Tested

In addition to the Close Friends Status feature, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a paid subscription plan. According to reports, this plan could offer benefits such as:

• Exclusive stickers

• Custom chat themes

• Additional options to pin chats

While details remain limited, the move suggests WhatsApp is exploring new ways to offer customisation and premium features to users.

Why the Close Friends Feature Matters

Better Privacy Without Extra Steps

If rolled out, the ‘Close Friends’ Status feature could make sharing personal or sensitive updates much easier. Users will no longer need to worry about their entire contact list viewing every Status, allowing for more intentional and private communication.

Overall, the feature reflects WhatsApp’s continued focus on user privacy, flexibility, and control, aligning with broader trends seen across social media platforms.