Statuses are one of the communication tools that WhatsApp makes available to you, in addition to text messages, photographs, and voice memos. In this article, we tell you everything about this feature.
What are WhatsApp statuses?
WhatsApp status is a communication format designed to share photos, videos, text, or gifs. Unlike conversations between two users or groups, your goal is to share updates and news with a large number of users at the same time. WhatsApp statuses support images and videos in landscape format, although viewing will be optimal if vertical media is used.
This tool included in the messaging application has two particularities. On the one hand, the statuses are played as a presentation. Each uploaded image, text, or video, is integrated into a slide. When a status has more than one element, the user can move forward or backward by tapping on the sides of the screen. On the other hand, each status item is displayed for 24 hours. After that period, the status disappears and no contact can see it.
How do WhatsApp statuses work?
The operation of WhatsApp statuses is really simple. To get started, go to the section Status.
Status section
This is where you will see the updates of your contacts. Tap on the name of each one to see the news they have shared.
Open a contact’s status
During the presentation, you will see the number of items in the contact state. They are displayed for a few seconds. To prevent WhatsApp from jumping to the next slide, tap and hold the screen.
Slides within a status
In case you want to send a reply, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. The answers are linked to a specific slide, not to all elements of the status.
Reply to a status
Navigating between slides is simple. As we have marked in the following image, you must tap on the right side of the screen to move forward and on the left side to move back.
Switch between slides
WhatsApp will notify you of the new updates of your contacts with a point located next to the tab Status. To receive notifications about the status that really interests you, silence those contacts from whom you do not want to see updates. Make a long tap on its name and tap on Mute.
Mute a contact’s status
Everything that we have mentioned so far refers to the visualization of the statuses of other users. Of course, you can also create your own. You must do this by tapping on the camera or pencil button.
Create a new status
By tapping on the pencil button, you will share text. Write your message and customize it with the controls below.
Create a status with text
In the same way, you can add emojis or GIFs.
Add a GIF to the status
When you are done, tap the submit button to post it. On the other hand, if you select the camera button, you can take a photo or choose a photo from the gallery. Tap and hold the shutter button to start recording.
Create a status with images
Similarly, use the submit button to post the photo or video.
Finally, let's review an important issue: privacy in the statuses. In the section Status, tap on the three vertical dots and open Privacy policy.
Privacy settings
Here, you can indicate which contacts will be able to see your statuses updates.
Share status with certain contacts
Before posting statuses, take your time to customize these privacy options. This will avoid sharing content with the wrong users.
Tips if you want to get the most out of WhatsApp statuses
- How to know who has seen my WhatsApp status, where you can see all the names of those who have seen your stories, and remember how you can configure who can do so in the future.
- How to view WhatsApp statuses without anyone knowing, because believe it or not, there is a way to do it, although there are some things you should keep in mind.
- How to download WhatsApp statuses, one of the most wanted features and possible with any file explorer or with a couple of easy to use apps.
- How to add stickers to WhatsApp statuses, one of the easiest things to do by tapping a simple button when updating your status.
- How to add music to WhatsApp statuses, a very easy trick to add a musical touch to our videos.
