WhatsApp has introduced a new feature named ‘Audience’ designed to enhance its privacy and to make status privacy settings clearer and easier to manage. According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been released by the ‘Google Play Beta Program’ for Android, updating the version to 2.26.2.
The feature aims to help users quickly check who can see their status updates, something the app currently does not show clearly once a status is live.
Status privacy
WhatsApp has been working on status privacy to make sure that the audience can select who can watch their status and who can reshare it. If users feel unsure, they often delete the status and upload it again.
The new Audience feature is meant to remove that uncertainty by clearly displaying the selected privacy option.
How the feature works
According to WABetaInfo, users can access the feature through the viewer’s menu at any active status during its 24-hour window. A new “Audience” section appears when the menu is opened.
This section shows who the status was shared with. If it is visible to all saved contacts, it will be labelled “My Contacts.” If limits are applied, it will show “My Contacts Except” or “Only share with.”
In some cases, the feature also lists the specific contacts included or excluded, helping users manage different audiences such as family, friends, or colleagues.
Why does it matter?
The update is expected to be useful for users who depend on WhatsApp statuses for regular communication. By clearly showing visibility settings, it reduces confusion and removes the need to delete and repost updates.
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