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WhatsApp Status Guide: Everything you need to know

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In the digital age, communication has become more dynamic and expressive, thanks to platforms like WhatsApp. One standout feature that allows users to share their thoughts, moods, and updates in a creative way is the "WhatsApp Status." If you want to make the most of this feature and engage with your audience, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about WhatsApp Status, including general information, setup, best practices, and inspiring ideas.

1. Understanding WhatsApp Status

WhatsApp Status is a feature that allows users to share text, photos, videos, and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. It functions similarly to "Stories" on other social media platforms like Instagram. When you post a Status, it is visible to your contacts, enhancing real-time engagement and personal connections.

2. Setting up WhatsApp Status

Setting up WhatsApp Status is straightforward:

a. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.

b. Navigate to WhatsApp status: Tap on the "Status" tab located in the bottom menu.

c. Add a new status: Click on the "Add Status" button (usually a "+" sign) to create a new Status.

d. Choose media: You can select a photo, video, GIF, or type a text message to create your Status.

e. Customize and publish: Add captions, emojis, or drawings to personalize your Status. Then, click on the "Send" button to publish it.

whatsapp status screenshot
How to create your Whatsapp status (source: Business Insider)

3. Types of WhatsApp Status: Unleashing your creativity

WhatsApp Status offers a diverse range of options to express yourself creatively. Whether you prefer still graphics, photos, videos, or even voice recordings, here are the possibilities you can explore:

1. Still Graphics: Users can create simple yet impactful WhatsApp status updates using still graphics. This includes text-based messages overlaid on colorful backgrounds or eye-catching images. Add emojis or use different fonts to convey emotions and thoughts effectively.

2. Photos: Sharing photos as your Status allows you to showcase moments from your life or significant events. Whether it's a picturesque landscape, a mouth-watering meal, or a heartwarming selfie, photos bring life to your Status updates.

3. Videos: For more dynamic and engaging content, upload short videos to your status. Capture short snippets of your experiences, everyday life, or funny moments to engage your audience.

4. Voice Recordings: Sometimes, words alone aren't enough to express yourself fully. Utilize the voice recording feature to send heartfelt messages, share exciting news, or sing a birthday song to a friend. Your voice adds a personal touch to your WhatsApp status updates.

whatsapp status voice recording
WhatsApp status voice recording (Source: Meta / WhatsApp)

5. Animated Stickers and GIFs: WhatsApp offers an extensive library of animated stickers and GIFs. These playful and expressive elements can inject humor and creativity into your Status updates, making them more enjoyable for your viewers.

6. Text-Based Updates: If you prefer a simple and straightforward approach, use the text-based Status option to share quotes, thoughts, or announcements with your contacts.

7. Drawing and Doodling: Unleash your artistic side by using the drawing tools to create doodles and sketches for your Status. Whether it's a fun doodle or a personalized message, drawing adds a unique flair to your updates.

8. Links and URLs: You can use WhatsApp status to share links and URLs to your website, recommended pages, products or services. This helps your audience discover the content mentioned in the status directly in WhatsApp.

WhatsApp status Link with Preview
WhatsApp status Link with Preview (Source: Meta / WhatsApp)

4. Best Practices for engaging WhatsApp Status

To make your WhatsApp Status more engaging and captivating, consider the following best practices:

a. Be authentic: Share genuine moments that reflect your personality. Authenticity fosters deeper connections with your audience.

b. Keep it concise: Since Status disappears after 24 hours, keep your content brief and to the point. Avoid overwhelming your viewers with lengthy updates.

c. Visual appeal: Incorporate eye-catching visuals, such as high-quality photos and well-edited videos. Visual appeal grabs attention and encourages interaction.

d. Use emojis and text creatively: Emojis add a touch of playfulness to your Status, while creative text styles and formatting can make your messages stand out.

e. Post regularly: Stay active by posting regularly. Consistency helps maintain engagement and keeps your audience interested.

f. Interact with viewers: Encourage interactions by responding to comments and direct messages. This builds stronger connections with your audience.

whatsapp status reaction
WhatsApp status reaction with emojis (Source: Meta / WhatsApp)

5. WhatsApp Status: Unlocking creativity with new tricks

WhatsApp Status offers a wide array of exciting tricks to enhance your updates and engage your audience. Let's explore these innovative features that add a creative touch to your status:

1. Add links to your WhatsApp status: Elevate your Status updates by including links to websites, articles, or any online content. Simply type the link on your status screen and click "Send" to share it with your contacts, making your updates more informative and interactive.

2. Change font and background color: Make your Status visually appealing by exploring different font styles and background colors. Click the "T" icon and color palette in the upper-right corner to choose the best combination that aligns with your brand or mood.

3. Add a location to your WhatsApp status: For businesses and personal updates alike, utilize the "Location" sticker to refer to specific places of interest. After selecting an image for your Status, tap the sticker emoji in the right corner, choose the "Location" sticker, and add important places that intrigue your contacts.

4. Change font style on an added Image: Make your text more captivating by editing the font style on an image. After adding an image, include text and adjust its font size, color, and style. You can even drag your finger up and down on the color bar to change the font color.

5. Format your text: Customize different parts of your text to make it stand out. Select specific sections of your text and choose the BIU option from the menu to add bold, italic, or underline effects, creating a more expressive and engaging Status.

6. Choose the right filter: Enhance your images by applying filters to your Status updates. After adding an image, simply swipe up on your screen to explore different filter options that add a touch of flair and visual appeal to your updates.

7. Change the Size of Your Pencil: Unleash your creativity by adding drawings to your images. Tap the "Pencil" icon in the upper-right corner, and adjust the pencil size by dragging your finger to the left to make it bigger or to the right to make it smaller.

8. Change your privacy settings: Control who can see your Status by choosing from three privacy settings. The default setting shares your Status with contacts who have you in their contact list. Alternatively, you can select specific people to whom your Status is visible, or blacklist certain contacts from viewing your updates.

9. Create a GIF: Add a fun and engaging element to your Status by creating GIFs from videos on your smartphone. Select or create a video, adjust its length to six seconds (the optimal GIF length), and click on the GIF option to share it with your contacts.

10. Switch cameras and zoom while recording: Make video recording more convenient by double-clicking the screen to switch between front and rear cameras. Additionally, zoom in and out effortlessly by holding the image button and moving your finger up and down on the screen.

11. Keep an eye on your WhatsApp status: Monitor the performance of your Status updates by checking the views. Click the "Status" tab, select your post, and tap on the "Eye" icon to see who has viewed your content, gaining insights into audience engagement.

With these new tricks, WhatsApp Status becomes a versatile platform for personal expression to connect with your audience in creative and impactful ways. Experiment with these features to elevate your Status updates and make a lasting impression on your contacts.

6. Why WhatsApp status is not the way to go for businesses

While WhatsApp Status is an excellent feature for private users to engage with friends and family, businesses can harness the full potential of the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) to elevate their messaging strategy. Working with WhatsApp Business Solution Providers like Sinch Engage offers numerous advantages, providing businesses with enhanced functionalities and tools to bolster customer interactions.

a. Chatbot Integration: One significant advantage of using WhatsApp Business Solutions is the seamless integration of chatbots. Chatbots can automate customer support, answer frequently asked questions, and provide instant responses, ensuring round-the-clock availability for your customers without overwhelming your support team.


The chatbot functionalities of Sinch Engage enable us to increase our revenue with our WhatsApp bot.

Rahul Malhotra | Head of Marketing at Brigade Group (Orion Malls)


b. Broadcast Messages: With WhatsApp Business Solutions, companies can send broadcast messages directly to their customers. This feature allows businesses to reach a wider audience, share important updates, and promote new products or services effectively.

c. Customer Segmentation: WhatsApp Business Solutions enable businesses to segment their customer base, tailoring messages and offers to specific target groups. This personalized approach enhances customer satisfaction and increases the likelihood of conversions.

d. Rich Media Support: Unlike the standard WhatsApp Status, WhatsApp Business Solutions support richer media formats, including interactive buttons, images, and documents. This capability empowers businesses to create more engaging and informative content for their customers.

e. Analytics and Insights: Sinch Engage offer detailed analytics and insights into customer interactions. Businesses can track message delivery, open rates, and response times, allowing them to optimize their messaging strategy and improve overall performance.

7. Conclusion

For private users of the WhatsApp consumer app, Status is a fantastic way to engage with friends and family, sharing glimpses of their daily lives. However, for businesses, leveraging the extensive functions of the WhatsApp Business Platform or WhatsApp Business API is a game-changer.

Working with WhatsApp Business Solution Providers like Sinch Engage opens up a world of opportunities, empowering businesses to use chatbot integration, send broadcast messages, and utilize a variety of features that enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. Embrace WhatsApp Business Solutions to transform your messaging approach and establish stronger connections with your customers, taking your business to new heights.

Meet your customers where they are

Engage with all your customers in one place. 

 

Kai Viertel, Head of Demand Generation, Sinch
Written by: Kai Viertel
Head of Demand Generation