WhatsApp adds Instagram-inspired like button for status updates

WhatsApp is rolling out a like button for status updates for Android users. This button allows users to express their appreciation with a heart emoji. The new feature is available via the latest beta update version of WhatsApp, which can be identified via version 2.24.17.2.

Previously, users could only respond to status updates by sending messages. Now, with this new update, users can quickly react with a heart emoji directly on the status screen.

WhatsApp Like Button for Status Updates

Similar to Instagram, users can now react to status updates with a heart emoji directly on the status screen. This allows you to quickly show your praise without having to send a message or comment.

When someone reacts to your status update, you’ll get a notification notifying you that your status has been liked. You can see all the likes along with the list of who has viewed your status on the viewers sheet.

Users have also control over these notifications. If you don’t want to receive a notification every time someone likes your status, you can turn off these notifications in the settings. It is a handy option for those who receive many reactions and want to avoid interruptions.

Notably, all likes are protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. It means that only the person who posted the status can see who reacted. This keeps the reactions private and secure.

The new like feature is currently available to some beta testers and will be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks. To try out this feature, users need to install the latest WhatsApp beta version.