WhatsApp is preparing to relaunch one of its most traditional functions, the profile text field, previously known as “Message” or “About”. The tool will be revamped to include a self-destruct timer and granular privacy controls, allowing users to define who can view their text status updates.
The new functionality will bring options for the profile message to automatically disappear after 24 hours, seven days or 30 days. Essa change transforms the static field into a dynamic space for temporary communications, aligning the application with ephemeral content trends present on other digital platforms.
The update rollout is scheduled to begin globally from November 30th next year. The new feature will be gradually made available to all users of Android and iOS devices who have the latest version of the messaging application installed on their devices.
How the new status tool will work
To use the feature, the user must access their profile settings and tap the text field. On the editing screen, in addition to writing the message, it will be possible to select one of the validity periods for the status.
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Preset time options let you adjust message display for a day, a week, or a 30-day period. At the end of the chosen period, the text will be automatically removed, returning to a standard message or to the last permanent message saved by the user.
Along with the timer, the main new feature is the privacy controls. Será You can set text status visibility to “Everyone”, “My Contatos”, “My Contatos except…” or “Nobody”, offering detailed control over information display.
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These privacy settings for text status will work independently of other account visibility settings, such as Last Seen and Profile Photo, ensuring greater flexibility.
The evolution of the message on the profile
The update represents a significant change from the original functionality, which was limited to short, permanent text that could only be changed manually. Introducing a timer transforms the message into an agile communication tool, ideal for informing about momentary situations, such as being in a meeting, on vacation or unavailable, without the need to remember to revert the change later. Esta modernization follows the demand for more dynamic interactions and reflects the popularity of ephemeral content, which until then was more associated with image and video formats, as in Stories. The measure seeks to offer users greater control over their digital presence and the way they share personal information on a daily basis.
Visibility and control options
New privacy layers allow users to manage their profile information more accurately. The option “My Contatos, except…” is particularly useful for those who use the application for personal and professional purposes, making it possible to hide a casual status from work contacts, for example. The “Nobody” selection offers a layer of maximum protection for those who prefer to keep a more discreet profile.
The default setting for status visibility is expected to be “My Contatos” for most users, maintaining the privacy policy already adopted in other features of the application. Implementing these controls responds to a long-standing community request for a unified and consistent privacy model across all profile sections, including photo, message and connection information.
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What motivated the change in the application
Meta’s decision to revamp the status function is in line with its strategy of keeping WhatsApp competitive in a market contested by apps like Telegram and Signal.
The measure also aims to increase engagement, encouraging users to update their profiles more frequently, making them more dynamic and representative of their current moment.
Additionally, the update reinforces the platform’s commitment to privacy, providing more robust tools for users to manage how their information is shared.
Update availability
The feature will be released in a phased manner to the global user base starting at the end of November next year.
To access the new feature, it will be necessary to keep the application updated through official stores, such as Google Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS.
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Comparison with other platforms
While Instagram has a static bio and Telegram offers more customization flexibility, WhatsApp’s approach differentiates itself.
The main differentiator of the new function is the native integration of a timer into the profile’s text status, a specific feature that is not present in a similar way in its main direct competitors.
Implementation of the new interface
The new time and privacy controls will be added directly to the existing profile edit screen. The integration was designed to be intuitive, avoiding a steep learning curve and ensuring that even less experienced users can configure their preferences with ease.