The WhatsApp status tab is set to undergo a design transformation to give more prominence to channels. These channels are accounts of organizations or celebrities that users can follow. The status updates of our contacts will be displayed as a row of profile pictures, similar to Instagram. Users can also see if someone has posted a status from the chat list if there is a circle around their profile picture.

WhatsApp intends for this ‘news’ tab to serve as a source of current information about both our friends and the channels we follow. The space allocation is approximately one third for contacts and two thirds for news or celebrity channels. WhatsApp is likely to continue modifying this tab based on user feedback and usage. The company is keen on making the app not just a messaging platform, but a reliable source of news and updates.

As WhatsApp continues to evolve and adapt to the changing digital communication landscape, the introduction of channels marks a significant step in its transformation. While the changes might require some getting used to for the users, the move aims to enhance the user experience by bridging the gap between personal communication and information seeking. As the ‘news’ tab rolls out, users will have the ability to stay updated, not just with their contacts but also with their favorite organizations and celebrities, all within the same app.