Snapchat inspired Whatsapp 'Status' feature rolling out now

The new status feature allows user to use video clips, photos and GIFs as status update

Update: Starting Friday, iPhone, Android and Windows users can send photos, videos and GIFs through Status to share special moments throughout their day with friends and family.

WhatsApp, a widely popular cross-platform instant messaging (IM) app, is about to turn eight. And, before hitting the eighth successful year towards making conversations more personalised, the Facebook-owned app introduceD one of the biggest fundamental change to its ‘Status’ feature.

The new update allows user to play around with the statuses by putting them over video clips, GIFs or images. So, say goodbye to old “Available” or “In a meeting” statuses and try new, enhanced and more personalised ways to express yourself.

The status update can be seen by everyone in your list for 24 hours before it disappears. Also, people can reply on status updates that shall be delivered in a chat with a message that refers to the status update.

The status update feature with capability to use videos, photos and GIFs reminds us about our native messaging app – Hike messenger. The Hike messenger app has been offering personalised statuses with photo story and video story features. Also, the new status update feature resembles a lot with Instagram video story feed or Instagram stories.

Even though the new status update feature is nothing new compared to what the competition is already offering, the move is in the right direction.The new update is gradually being rolled out and will reach the community soon – Android, iOS and Windows.