WhatsApp is reintroducing “About,” the Instagram Notes-like feature that lets people share their status via a short text update. In a blog post, the Meta-owned company noted that About was the first feature to be released on WhatsApp, a long time ago, even before Notes was released for Instagram.
“For those days when you’re free one minute but busy the next – About can tell others why you can’t talk or what you do want to talk about with just an emoji and a short phrase,” WhatsApp shared.
Users’ About text update will appear on their profile and at the top of 1-1 chats. WhatsApp will let people use it as a conversation starter by replying directly to the update by simply tapping on it in a chat.
Like Instagram Notes, About text updates will disappear after 24 hours. But users also have the option of keeping it longer or making it disappear faster at a time of their choosing. To control the time the text update disappears, go to Settings and tap “Set About”; choose your timer after.
WhatsApp says the feature is rolling out to everyone on mobile starting this week.
