WhatsApp is rolling out a revamped “About” status feature that closely mirrors the Instagram Notes format, allowing users to post brief text updates for their contacts to see.
The update makes “About” more visible than before — your message appears at the top of one-on-one chat windows and also on your profile page. Others can tap on your About update directly from your chat to reply.
By default, these text updates disappear after 24 hours, but you can adjust the timer to make them vanish sooner or stay longer. You also get control over who sees your About status — whether just your contacts or a broader audience.
WhatsApp notes that “About” isn’t completely new; it was its original status-style feature from the early days of the app, before private messaging became the main focus. Now, it’s being reborn as a lightweight and more socially visible way to share what you’re up to or why you might be offline.
Unlike Instagram Notes, however, WhatsApp’s version is currently text-only. There’s no support, yet, for music snippets or looping video messages. But Meta has hinted that more features could be added over time if the updated About status proves popular.
The company says the feature is rolling out to mobile users this week.