Explore your creative side with WhatsApp's text-based status updates!

With an aim to maintain its user base of 250 million

engaged, WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform on Tuesday introduced text-based updates to its 'Status' feature.

Starting today, Android and iPhone users can share status updates which can be customized, depending on the preference of the users, who can choose a specific font, background colour, and can even include links.

Also, users can view Status updates on WhatsApp Web as well.

The latest update also comes with a host of upgraded features. On the privacy front, users have the option to choose the people who will receive their update. In the 'privacy settings' tab, users can select from three options- "my contacts," "contacts except..." and "only share with..."

Further, by tapping the 'eye' icon at the bottom of any Status update, users can view a list of contacts who have seen their update.

WhatsApp buffs can also use the reply button to comment on any photo, video, or GIF. By tapping the 'reply' option, the message will be sent in a WhatsApp chat with a thumbnail of the Status update.