WhatsApp Gets Snapchat Stories-Like Status Feature Facebook really seems to like Snapchat Stories.

By tbreak Feb 22, 2017

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Facebook really seems to like Snapchat Stories. After introducing the feature on Instagram earlier, called Instagram Stories, the company has now brought it to WhatsApp, as a new revamped version of the Status feature.

The feature, which allows people post a string of photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, comes as a new update to the popular instant messaging app. Previously, the Status feature let you display only simple things like "at school" or "at the movies" or some similar snippet you'd written yourself. With the new version however, you can share photos, videos, and GIFs and punch them up with emojis, text and drawings. You'll be able to share them with all your contacts. WhatsApp also said the new feature is encrypted end-to-end.

Image credit: WhatsApp blog.

Snapchat, a platform that is growing to be the most popular social media platform, has nearly 70% of all the 18-24 year-olds in the US use the app, according to ComScore. This is probably something Facebook noticed, which is why the company wants the similar feature. Instagram stories have been popular too, as the feature has 150 million daily users, and last month Instagram said Stories would start showing ads. Meanwhile, Facebook is rumored to be testing Facebook Stories in the mobile app in Ireland. WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum said in a blog post that the new version of Status is meant to coincide with the app's eighth birthday, on February 24. Facebook bought the app in 2014 for US$19 billion.

This article was originally published on tbreak and has been reposted on Entrepreneur Middle East based on a mutual agreement between the websites.

tbreak

www.tbreak.com

tbreak consists of a team of highly passionate and opinionated editors who are experts in the fields of mobiles, applications and computers components, and are dedicated to covering the latest tech news and events both regionally and internationally.

Most Popular

See all

Money & Finance

How to Forecast Revenue and Growth

When starting out, financial forecasts may seem overwhelming. We'll help you conquer the numbers with this easy-to-follow guide to forecasting revenues and expenses during startup.

By Asheesh Advani

Growing a Business

The Pandemic Shook the Food and Beverage Industry. Here's How It's Recovering.

In this period of recovery, learn how transnational food and beverage companies have numerous opportunities not only for revival but also for unprecedented growth.

By Wei Hsu

Entrepreneurs

Dubai Chamber Launches Business Mentoring and Support Program To Help SMEs Navigate Impacts Of COVID-19

Dubai Chamber's Business Mentoring and Support Program pairs corporations with SMEs that require ongoing support and mentorship as they address new challenges from the COVID-19 crisis.

By Entrepreneur Middle East Staff

Health & Wellness

Career Trauma Is a Real Thing. Here's How to Recognize and Recover From It.

Toxic workplaces are harming the health and mental well-being of many workers. In recent years, more people have spoken out about these dangers -- inspiring hope that we might finally be able to make a difference for those who suffer from workplace trauma every day.

By Elizabeth Pearson

Lifestyle

Leisure Tourism: Saudi Arabia's Newest Frontier On The Road To Realizing Vision 2030

The majority of the US$1 trillion investment that has been earmarked for developing the Saudi tourism economy to date has been deployed for this leisure segment.

Growing a Business

7 Tips for Women Who Want to Own a Franchise

In celebration of Women in Small Business Month, female franchise founders and CEOs share top advice and tips for women entering the franchise industry.

By Kate Taylor