WhatsApp enables sharing Status updates on Instagram, details on functionality

In a bid for cross-platform harmony, WhatsApp gears up to introduce a feature allowing users to seamlessly share their WhatsApp Status updates directly to Instagram. This mirrors the existing functionality enabling Instagram Stories to be shared on Facebook.

The development, currently in its beta phase within the WhatsApp Android app, lacks a specific launch timeline. However, its beta presence hints at an imminent rollout. The discovery was made by WABetaInfo, highlighting this as another stride toward Mark Zuckerberg's vision of cohesive compatibility across Meta's applications.

This forthcoming feature intends to let WhatsApp users post their Status updates to Instagram without leaving the app. Similar to sharing Stories on Instagram, this feature will streamline the process, offering a one-tap solution for updating both WhatsApp Status and Instagram Story simultaneously.

Presently, WhatsApp facilitates sharing Status updates to Facebook Stories directly. With this upcoming addition, users can anticipate the ability to share WhatsApp Status updates on both Facebook and Instagram simultaneously.

Crucially, user autonomy remains intact, akin to the current settings governing WhatsApp and Facebook cross-posting. Users can selectively enable their WhatsApp Status to auto-post on Instagram, with the setting found in the app's settings menu. Even after activation, users retain control over which Status update gets posted on either platform, with the option to disable the feature at any time.

Meanwhile, rumors suggest another intriguing WhatsApp feature in the works—allowing users to search for contacts or messages via usernames. This feature grants privacy-conscious individuals the choice to use a username instead of sharing phone numbers, providing enhanced privacy and control over personal information.

Voluntary adoption of usernames empowers users to determine the extent of their engagement with this added functionality. Full control over username management—addition, removal, or modification—offers users the flexibility to adapt their privacy settings per their preferences. This username search functionality is under development and anticipated in a future WhatsApp update, although its availability on Android, iOS, or both remains unspecified.