This week, WhatsApp focused on developing tools for channel administrators, protecting minors in Brazil, and flexible audience settings for status updates. Read about the five key updates of the week in our digest!
Table of Contents
Channel Update Forward Statistics
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that shows how many times a channel update has been forwarded.
How It Will Work
In channel update statistics, the number of forwards—the number of times a post has been shared with other users—will appear next to the reaction counter. This information is only visible to administrators; subscribers do not see it. The number of recipients is counted for each “Forward” action, even within a single chat.
Why It’s Important
Forwarding is a stronger signal of engagement than reactions. Administrators can track which content is truly “viral” and adapt their publishing strategy.
Status
This feature is available to some beta testers of the WhatsApp beta for Android. It will be rolled out more widely after testing.
Channel Administrator Profile
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow channel administrators to create profiles.
How It Will Work
Channel administrators will be able to create a personal profile (name and photo), which will be displayed next to each of their posts. Profile creation is available in the channel settings. Phone number and other personal information are not disclosed. Profiles can be deleted at any time.
Why It’s Important
This increases transparency, as subscribers can see who on the team published the news. This is convenient for channels with multiple authors, businesses, and media outlets, as it simplifies the distribution of responsibility.
Status
This feature is in development for iOS. Expected in a future update.
Automatic privacy settings for minors in Brazil
WhatsApp is working to bring its privacy settings into compliance with Brazilian law by updating options for younger users.
How it will work
Due to new Brazilian legislation, WhatsApp will automatically change three privacy settings from “Everyone” to “My contacts” for accounts under a certain age. This applies to the following settings:
- Last seen
- About me
- Profile links
Users will receive a notification about the change.
Why It’s Important
This ensures compliance with local laws on the protection of children and adolescents in the digital environment and reduces the risk of unwanted contacts and personal information leaks.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. The release will take place before the law comes into force.
Custom Lists for Statuses
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to create custom lists for status updates.
How It Will Work
In the status privacy settings, you’ll now be able to create personalized contact lists. Each list can be given a name and emoji for quick identification. When publishing a status, the user selects a predefined list instead of manually setting exceptions.
Why It’s Important
This simplifies audience management for those who regularly publish statuses to different groups (family, colleagues, friends). There’s no need to reset visibility settings each time.
Status
This feature is in development for Android and is planned for beta testing.
“Close Friends” List for Statuses
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to select close friends for status updates.
How It Will Work
Another preset list type is “Close Friends.” The user manually adds contacts to it. When publishing a status, you can select the “Share with Close Friends” option. Recipients will see a colored ring around the avatar, indicating that the status is intended specifically for them.
Why It’s Important
This creates a warmer, more personalized space for communication with your closest people. Clearly shows that the content is addressed to them personally.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. The contact selection interface is being refined.
Conclusion
WhatsApp continues to systematically develop its channel ecosystem, providing administrators with measurable metrics and identification tools. At the same time, protection for young users is being strengthened—now at the level of regional legislation. And status updates are becoming more flexible and socially oriented thanks to contact lists.