# WhatsApp Unveils Private Mentions and Likes for Status Updates
WhatsApp, the widely used messaging platform owned by Meta, has launched two thrilling features designed to boost user interaction: **private mentions in Status updates** and the capability to **like Status updates**. Drawing inspiration from Instagram Stories, these enhancements aim to create a more engaging and customized experience within WhatsApp’s Status functionality.
## Essential Information
– **Private Mentions**: Users can now mention friends privately in their Status updates, and the tagged individual will receive a subtle notification.
– **Reactions**: Users can express their approval of Status updates through likes, which will remain confidential and only visible to the user who posted the Status.
– **Resharing**: Users who are mentioned can opt to share the Status update on their own profile if they wish.
– **Global Rollout**: These features are being introduced worldwide for both Android and iOS users.
## WhatsApp Status: A Brief Overview
WhatsApp launched the Status feature several years ago, enabling users to post photos, videos, and text updates that vanish after 24 hours. This feature is reminiscent of Instagram Stories, another platform under Meta’s umbrella. Status updates have evolved into an enjoyable method for users to connect with friends and family by sharing snippets of their day in a more relaxed, fleeting format.
## Private Mentions: Enhanced Personal Touch
A standout addition is the ability to **privately mention** someone in a Status update. Here’s how it functions:
– While creating a Status update, users can now tag a friend in a discreet manner.
– The tagged individual will receive a notification, although it won’t be shown to others in your contact list.
– This function introduces a personal touch, allowing users to share particular moments with select friends without alerting their entire contact list.
Moreover, the person mentioned in the Status can opt to **reshare** the update on their profile, fostering a more collaborative and interactive atmosphere.
## Reactions: Show Your Feelings with Likes
In another move inspired by Instagram, WhatsApp now provides users the option to **react to Status updates** with likes. However, in contrast to Instagram, where likes are public, WhatsApp ensures this feature remains private:
– The like function is depicted by a green heart, aligning with WhatsApp’s distinctive color scheme.
– Only the user who created the Status will have access to who’s liked it.
– There won’t be a public display of like counts, emphasizing a more intimate interaction that isn’t focused on social validation.
This feature allows users to quickly and easily acknowledge a friend’s Status without the need for a full message or emoji reaction.
## A Recognizable Experience
For those familiar with Instagram Stories, the latest WhatsApp functionalities will seem similar. The capacity to mention friends and react with likes reflects Instagram’s features, yet with WhatsApp’s particular commitment to privacy. The green heart reaction, for example, offers a subtle yet noticeable variation from Instagram’s red heart, reinforcing WhatsApp’s unique brand identity.
As mentioned in a recent [blog post](https://blog.whatsapp.com/share-the-love-on-whatsapp-status) by WhatsApp, the company is dedicated to making the Status feature more captivating while upholding its fundamental principles of privacy and simplicity.
## Longer Video Status Updates
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has drawn from Instagram’s strategies. Recently, WhatsApp introduced the option to post **longer video Status updates**. Previously capped at 30 seconds, users can now share video clips up to **one minute** long, similar to Instagram Stories. This adjustment allows for more expressive and detailed updates, giving users greater freedom in sharing their experiences.
## Significance of These Features
These new functionalities are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing strategy to ensure its platform remains relevant and engaging amid increasing competition in the messaging app arena. By incorporating more interactive elements into Status updates, WhatsApp encourages users to spend additional time on the app and engage with their contacts in novel ways.
The discreet nature of these features also aligns with WhatsApp’s promise of privacy, a foundational aspect of the platform since its launch. Unlike other social media sites where likes and mentions are frequently public, WhatsApp maintains the confidentiality of these interactions, providing a more personal and secure experience.
## Global Rollout
WhatsApp has announced that these features are being made available globally, and users on both **Android** and **iOS** should start observing the updates shortly. If you haven’t spotted the update yet, check your app store for the latest version of WhatsApp.
## Conclusion
With the launch of **private mentions** and **likes on Status updates**, WhatsApp is enhancing its platform’s interactivity while staying true to its emphasis on privacy. These features, influenced by Instagram Stories, give users fresh avenues to connect with friends and family in a more personalized and engaging manner.
