WhatsApp is rolling out a new update that shows who has been “recently online” in an effort to encourage more conversations among users. Currently, the app displays whether a user is “online” or when they were “last seen” at the top of each chat bar. With this new feature, users will be able to see which of their contacts have been recently online, even those they have not yet chatted with. The update is being tested on Android and will soon be available to iOS users as well. However, users who have disabled their “last seen” and “online” status options will not be visible in the “recently online” list.
This move is part of WhatsApp’s larger strategy to promote more engagement among users and make the app more social network-like. In recent years, WhatsApp has introduced features such as WhatsApp Channels, Instagram Stories-inspired Statuses, and now availability markers to enhance its social networking capabilities. The app also recently introduced Communities, which allows users to create events and interact with groups of people with shared interests. The addition of replies in Announcement Groups adds a new level of interactivity between administrators and members, making Communities a more engaging platform for users.
The update to show who has been “recently online” is aimed at prompting users to start conversations with their contacts. By suggesting contacts to chat with, WhatsApp hopes to increase engagement and foster more connections among users. The update is part of a broader effort by WhatsApp to expand its features and make the app more than just a chat platform. With features such as WhatsApp Channels, Communities, and newly introduced reply options in Announcement Groups, WhatsApp is evolving into a more interactive and social network-like platform.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has been focusing on enhancing the app’s features and capabilities to make it more appealing to users. By adding new tools such as Communities and event creation options, Meta aims to provide users with more ways to connect with others and stay engaged. With these updates, WhatsApp is becoming a more versatile platform that offers a range of features beyond simple messaging. Meta’s focus on enhancing user engagement through new features and tools is expected to further solidify WhatsApp’s position as a leading social networking platform.
Overall, the new update from WhatsApp to show who has been “recently online” is a strategic move to increase user engagement and make the app more social network-like. By encouraging conversations and interactions among users, WhatsApp aims to create a more dynamic and engaging platform for its users. With additional features such as Communities, event creation options, and reply options in Announcement Groups, WhatsApp is evolving into a more interactive and socially connected app. Meta’s focus on enhancing user engagement through new features and tools is expected to further strengthen WhatsApp’s position as a leading social networking platform.
