WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new privacy feature that will allow users to create custom audience lists for Status updates, giving them greater control over who can view their shared content. The feature is currently under development and is expected to roll out in a future update.
This move highlights WhatsApp’s continued focus on enhancing user privacy and making content sharing more personalized.
More Control Over Who Sees Your Status
At present, WhatsApp offers limited Status privacy options, including “My Contacts,” “My Contacts Except,” and “Only Share With.” While useful, these settings often require users to adjust visibility for each Status update manually.
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The upcoming feature aims to simplify this process by allowing users to create reusable audience lists. These lists could include groups such as family members, close friends, colleagues, or other customized categories, making it easier to choose the right audience with a single tap.
How Custom Audience Lists Will Work
With the new feature, users can define specific contact groups and assign them as audiences for Status posts. Instead of repeatedly selecting contacts, users can choose a pre-saved list when sharing a Status.
This approach mirrors similar privacy tools seen on other social platforms and is expected to significantly improve convenience while reducing the risk of accidentally sharing personal content with the wrong audience.
Feature Still in Development
According to reports, the custom audience lists feature is still under development and has not yet been released to beta testers. As a result, details such as the final interface and rollout timeline remain unclear.
WhatsApp has not officially announced when the feature will become available, but it is likely to be tested with beta users before a wider public release.
Part of WhatsApp’s Ongoing Privacy Push
Over years, WhatsApp has introduced privacy features including disappearing messages, chat locks, and controls for last seen and online status.
Custom audience lists for Status updates reinforce WhatsApp’s commitment to flexibility, privacy, and confidence when sharing content on the platform.
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