WhatsApp introduced a new 'Status' feature earlier this week which has been made available to all users all over the world on Friday.

iPhone, Android and Windows phone users can now send photos, videos and GIFs with along with their Status to share special moments throughout their day with friends and family.

The global roll out of the feature coincides with WhatsApp’s 8th anniversary on Feb 24.

In a press release WhatsApp creators introduced the feature in three detailed points:

  • Control who can see Status update:

In WhatsApp’s privacy settings, users have the option to choose the people who will receive their update. Users can select from the following three options: “my contacts,” “contacts except...” and “only share with...”

  • See who has viewed their Status update:

Tap the eye icon at the bottom of any Status update to view a list of contacts who have seen the user’s update.

  • Reply to an update:

When the users view someone’s Status update, there is a reply button, so they can comment on any photo, video, or GIF. Once they tap reply, their message will be sent in a WhatsApp chat with a thumbnail of the Status update.

50 billion messages are sent each day in WhatsApp, including over 3.3bn photos, 760 million videos, and 80m GIFs.

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