Last year we saw Meta (known then as Facebook) release many new features for WhatsApp. That trend seems to be continuing as there are already quite a few eagerly expected features coming to the messaging app in 2022. Some of these features are still in development, so we only know what the developers want us to do at this point.
Other features have already made their way to the WhatsApp beta version for Android and iOS so that we can get a glimpse of how these apps will work before they go all the way to the final release.
10 upcoming features of WhatsApp
While there are quite a few features rumored to reach WhatsApp in 2022, there is no guarantee that all of them will make it to the final release. As such, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten features that are most likely to roll out in 2022. These features should improve the overall user experience and introduce fun, new ways to use the app on Android and iOS devices.
Let’s look at the ten features we look forward to seeing on WhatsApp in 2022.
Create personalized stickers
This new feature is currently in the WhatsApp beta version, and we should see it released soon. It allows users to upload any picture and make it a sticker. There are also some image editing tools that can improve the image and make it even funnier. Aside from this, there isn’t much more information on this feature at the moment.
Hide ‘last seen’ from specific contacts
WhatsApp has always had a feature that, when enabled, hides your ‘last seen’ information from your contacts. However, this feature was very limited in that you either toggled it on or off. Another downside is that when you hide your ‘last seen’ information, you also can’t see other users’ information. Now, WhatsApp will give users more options when using this feature. They’re currently testing the feature, but it should allow you to specify which contact can see your ‘last seen’ information. If this makes it to the final release, you should be able to select specific contacts, like your boss, and choose that only they don’t see your ‘last seen’ status.
Deleting messages without a time limit
While WhatsApp allows users to delete messages, there is a time limit of 4096 seconds in which you can delete a message. After this time has passed, the option to delete is no longer available. However, this time limit no longer applies in the WhatsApp beta version, and users can delete messages no matter how much time has passed.
Community feature
The WhatsApp community feature is also still in development. So far, we know that it’s meant to give admins more control over how they manage groups. They would be able to create communities and add similar groups to the community to make finding the groups and communicating with all of them at the same time much easier.
Logout feature
The logout feature will be replacing the ‘Delete Account’ feature currently on Android and iOS devices. This will allow users to log out of one device and into another when working across multiple devices. From what we’ve seen on the beta version of the app, it appears that this feature will work similarly to Facebook and other social media sites’ logout protocol.
Instagram Reels on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is set to get an Instagram Reels section soon. This will allow users to enjoy Instagram Reels (the short videos posted on the Instagram app) directly from WhatsApp. This feature also forms part of Meta’s plans to integrate WhatsApp with its other owned apps (like Facebook).
Read later feature
‘Read Later’ appears to improve the current ‘Archives’ feature on WhatsApp. By moving a chat to ‘Read Later’, the user will no longer receive notifications for this chat. This new feature will also have a ‘Vacation’ mode that works more like the current archive feature. This feature will also have an ‘Edit’ option available so that users can customize their settings.
WhatsApp insurance
So far, this feature is only coming to India. Following the recent release of WhatsApp Pay in India, Meta is expanding on this. The WhatsApp Insurance feature will enable users to buy insurance directly from the app. Currently, this service will provide the option to purchase health insurance and micro-pension products in India through licensed financial services providers like SBI General and HDFC.
This new feature will let users respond directly to messages using up to six WhatsApp emojis. It appears to work similarly to how reactions work on Facebook and Instagram and will be available on individual and group chats. Users will also be able to disable this feature from the ‘Reaction Notifications’ settings.
Message reactions
Edit recipients while sharing media
This feature is still in testing, therefore it’s not clear exactly how it’ll work. However, it would appear that it’ll allow users to select new recipients before sharing their media on WhatsApp.
Which feature are you most excited about?
With all these features coming to WhatsApp this year, it’s difficult to decide on a favorite. The ability to create personalized stickers adds another fun element to the app. While being able to watch Instagram reels will also be quite entertaining. Then again, features like ‘Community’ and ‘Last Seen’ will make balancing work and fun more efficient. Either way, we look forward to seeing all these features on WhatsApp soon.
