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WhatsApp is soon going to make a major change to its Status feature, giving users more privacy control. According to a new report, the app is adding an Instagram-like Close Friends status option. This will allow users to share their updates only with selected people. The advantage of this feature is that users won't need to change their privacy settings every time. The feature is currently in the testing phase and may be available to beta users first.

Instagram-like Close Friends Status Control
According to the report, WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow status updates to be visible only to specific people, similar to Instagram's Close Friends feature. This will allow users to share personal photos, videos, or messages within a limited circle. Currently, changing status privacy requires going into the settings every time, but the new feature will make this process easier. This is considered a major step towards providing a more private and controlled sharing experience. In other words, the Instagram experience will now be available on WhatsApp.

New Feature Spotted in Beta Version
According to feature tracker reports, this Close Friends status option has been spotted during testing in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.5.13. It is currently in the development phase, and the company has not announced an official release date. WhatsApp typically tests features with beta users first and then rolls them out to all users after receiving feedback. Therefore, it is likely that this feature will become available to more people in upcoming updates. Currently, it is considered an experimental feature.

How to Create a Custom Close Friends List
The report suggests that users will be able to create their Close Friends list in two ways. The first method will involve creating the list by selecting contacts within the status privacy settings. The second method might involve managing the list directly from the status screen. Users will be able to change this list at any time, but the changes will only apply to statuses posted afterward. This will eliminate the need to adjust privacy settings for each post.

Indication with a Different Colored Ring
Contacts included in the Close Friends list may see a different colored ring around the profile picture when viewing a status. This will indicate that the status has been shared with a private group and that they are part of that specific list. This system will be similar to Instagram's Close Friends ring. This will make it clear to both the user and the viewer that the content is intended for a limited audience. The report also states that WhatsApp is working on a subscription plan that could include features such as premium stickers, themes, and additional chat pins.

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