WhatsApp is testing a “Close Friends” list that lets you share Status updates with a hand‑picked group of contacts instead of the whole address book. The toggle appears in the Android beta, letting you set a micro‑audience once and reuse it for every story, so you can keep personal moments truly private.
How the Close Friends List Works
The new option adds a simple toggle to the Status composer. When you enable it, only the contacts you’ve added to your Close Friends group can view that particular update.
Creating and Using the List
1. Open Settings and select “Close Friends.”
2. Add the contacts you want to include.
3. When posting a Status, tap the Close Friends icon to limit visibility.
Why the Feature Matters for Privacy
Current privacy controls require you to choose “My contacts,” “My contacts except…,” or “Only share with…,” which can be cumbersome. A dedicated list reduces the risk of accidental oversharing, especially when personal and professional contacts share the same phonebook.
Implications for Marketers
Marketers can use the list for hyper‑targeted storytelling, such as exclusive promotions for their most engaged followers. However, the feature may fragment reach, making it harder to measure the full impact of a campaign if a portion of the audience stays hidden.
Potential Rollout Timeline
The Android beta suggests a gradual rollout. Users will likely see a subtle UI addition rather than a major redesign, keeping the experience familiar for WhatsApp’s billions of active users.
What This Means for iOS Users
Although the leak is Android‑only, WhatsApp typically releases updates on both platforms around the same time. iOS users should watch for the feature in upcoming beta builds.
Bottom Line
WhatsApp’s Close Friends list promises a more personal, less cumbersome way to share Status updates. If you’ve ever wanted to send a birthday video just to family or test a product teaser with your most loyal customers, this feature could soon be a tap away.
