WhatsApp brings back its Status feature after receiving complaints about the unwanted Snapchat Stories clone.
Loyal users of WhatsApp apparently did not like the move to copy Snapchat Stories and ditch the much-loved text-only Status. The latter actually made the platform popular in the first place. The "Snapchatification" of all Facebook properties taught WhatsApp management one lesson: Not all trends are good. Well, find out how to use the resurrected feature below.
WhatsApp Status: Now called 'About'
Per The Verge, the renewed WhatsApp feature will be called "About" because the latter version was actually "Status" already. For the record, its type of Snapchat's Stories permitted users to post pictures and videos alongside their texts that disappear after 24 hours. However, people felt different in using it compared to the original text-only mode.
Thus, after the backlash, WhatsApp decided to drop the Snapchat function and go back to the basics. The "About" feature appears next to profile names when users view contacts. In a statement, the management said that Android fans will get the update starting next week while iOS users should receive it "soon".
According to the same source, WhatsApp has learned that, sometimes, it is better to stick with the things users liked the most about the original product. Businesses should not just run after popular trends that their rivals are doing. As copying becomes even more famous, being unique could save one's future.
How to use WhatsApp 'About'
Tech Crunch reported that WhatsApp listened to the people who ranted about missing the text-only update in their profiles. So, the platform reintegrated the said feature into the "About" section. On the other hand, the management also admitted that they are still working on building a new function that will "give users a fun and engaging way to share photos and videos".
Fans could access the WhatsApp "About" by clicking "Settings" and then "Profile". The chat window will eventually pop up just like the old times. To be fair, despite the complaints, the messaging application is still one of the best variants in the world. It reportedly caters to over 1.2 billion people using it every month.
