WhatsApp now lets you ask questions in your status updates
What's the story
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature in its latest update for Android, version 2.25.29.12. The update, now available through the Google Play Beta Program, comes with an interactive element called 'Status Questions.' This feature allows users to add a question box directly into their status updates, allowing them to ask a question of their choice and receive responses from their contacts or selected audience.
User interaction
One question per status
The 'Status Questions' feature is seen as a way to make user interactions on WhatsApp more engaging. Each status can only contain one question, and all responses from viewers will be collected in a private section visible only to the original poster. This update is expected to make conversations on the platform more dynamic and interesting for users.
Interactive element
New question sticker for interactive engagement
The latest update also brings a new question sticker, an interactive element that can be added to photos and videos while sharing a status update. It lets users engage with their audience by inviting them to respond to a specific question directly within the status.
Response management
Viewers list now has dedicated questions and answers section
With the new feature, users will be notified whenever someone responds to their status update via the question sticker. They can view all responses directly from the viewers list, which now has a dedicated section for questions and answers. From this interface, users can choose to share any response in a new status update while keeping the respondent's identity hidden or report inappropriate replies or delete unwanted ones.
Data protection
End-to-end encryption for added privacy
WhatsApp has also assured that all responses to question stickers are protected by end-to-end encryption. This means only the sender and recipient can see the content of the messages, keeping personal interactions private. Even when a response is shared as a new status update, the identity of the original respondent remains hidden. This way, users can express themselves without compromising their privacy.