Whatsapp timeline status allows users to share photos, videos and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. It’s similar to Stories on other platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. Here’s a comprehensive guide to using Whatsapp Status.
What is Whatsapp Status?
Whatsapp Status, introduced in 2017, allows users to share ephemeral photos, videos, GIFs, and text updates that disappear after 24 hours. You can access Status updates by tapping on the Status tab at the top of Whatsapp chats. Status updates are private by default and can only be viewed by your contacts. You can also share Status updates to your Whatsapp profile as your “About” text.
Difference between Whatsapp Status and Chats
While chats allow you to have conversations with contacts, Whatsapp Status is more for broadcasting ephemeral updates without needing a response. Unlike chats, Status updates automatically disappear after 24 hours. Chats are always end-to-end encrypted but your contacts can screenshot or record your Status updates.
How to view someone’s Whatsapp Status
To view Status updates from your contacts:
- Open Whatsapp and tap on the Status tab at the top of chats
- You’ll see a list of contacts who have shared Status updates
- Tap on a contact’s profile picture to view their latest update
- Swipe up to view their previous Status updates in chronological order
You’ll see the username of the contact at the top along with a timestamp showing when the Status was shared. Their display picture will have a ring around it if they have a new, unviewed update.
How to post a Whatsapp Status
Sharing a Status update is quick and easy:
- Open Whatsapp and tap on the Status tab
- Tap on the camera icon to capture a new photo or video for your Status
- You can also tap the pen icon to write a text update or tap the gallery icon to share existing photos and videos from your phone
- Edit the photo or video with text, stickers, drawings, and emojis if desired
- When done, tap the send button to share the Status update
Your Status will now be visible to all your Whatsapp contacts. They’ll be able to view and reply to the Status for 24 hours until it disappears.
How to customize Whatsapp Status privacy
By default, your Status updates are visible to all of your contacts. To customize who can view your Status:
- Go to Whatsapp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap on Status
- Choose from the following options:
- My Contacts: Default setting, your Status visible to all contacts
- My Contacts Except…: Exclude specific contacts
- Only Share With…: Restrict Status visibility only to certain contacts
You can also disable Status sharing entirely by toggling off “Who Can See My Status” in Privacy settings.
How to reply to Whatsapp Status
When viewing someone’s Status, you can reply to it through two methods:
- Swipe up on the Status to access a text reply field and type out your message
- Long-press on the Status and tap Reply. This will quote the Status in chat with the contact.
Your reply will be sent as a private message to the contact. Other people who view the Status will not see your reply.
How to delete Whatsapp Status updates
Every Status disappears after 24 hours by default. But you can also manually delete a Status:
- Go to Whatsapp Settings > Account > Privacy > Status > My Status History
- This page shows your recent Status updates
- Tap and hold on a Status > Delete
- Confirm deleting the Status
If you want to delete a status update from All Contacts before 24 hours, tap the 3 dots icon > Delete for Everyone.
How to save someone’s Whatsapp Status
If you want to save a contact’s status image, video, or GIF:
- View the Status and tap and hold the screen to bring up the menu
- Tap on Save to automatically save the Status to your phone’s gallery
You can also take a screenshot when viewing a Status. This lets you save anything that may get automatically deleted after 24 hours.
How to share Status outside Whatsapp
Statuses are meant for sharing within Whatsapp only. But if you want to save and share a Status externally:
- Save the Status to your phone’s gallery first
- Go to your gallery and tap on the saved Status
- Tap the Share button and choose another app to share through
This could allow you to share a Whatsapp Status via apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. But note that the contact will be notified when their Status is saved.
Troubleshooting Whatsapp Status
Some common problems faced with Status and how to fix them:
- Status not visible to contacts – Check your privacy settings and make sure “My Contacts” or specific contacts are selected to view Status
- Can’t see someone’s Status – Either their privacy settings are hiding it from you, or they have not shared a status recently
- Status not deleting after 24 hours – Close and reopen Whatsapp to load latest Statuses afresh
- Status quality degraded – Whatsapp may have compressed images or video. Try sharing higher quality files
Whatsapp Status tips and tricks
Make the most of Whatsapp Status with these tips:
- You can share text Statuses with emoji which will appear larger than usual
- Tap color icons while editing Status to switch between foreground and background colors
- Draw on photos or videos to highlight something in your Status update
- Use the @mention feature in text Status updates to tag and notify contacts
- Share Statuses to your closest friends list if you don’t want it visible to all contacts
- Check views and reply count for your Statuses in Privacy settings
- Long press the camera button to directly go Live or post a text Status
Conclusion
Whatsapp Status provides an easy way to share ephemeral updates with your contacts in a story format. Make sure your privacy settings are set up appropriately. While most users stick to photos and videos, you can get creative with text Status messages, stickers, reactions and more. Refer to this guide anytime you need a refresher on how to use Status on Whatsapp.