WhatsApp is taking a significant step forward in enhancing its social features by introducing music integration for Status Updates, bringing it closer to Instagram's story functionality. This development represents Meta's ongoing efforts to create a more unified and engaging experience across its platforms.
New Musical Feature in Beta Testing
WhatsApp has begun rolling out its music integration feature to select beta testers through version 2.25.2.5 on Android. The feature introduces a new music note icon in the status editor's top bar, allowing users to add musical accompaniment to their Status Updates. This implementation leverages Meta's extensive licensed music catalog, the same one used by Instagram, providing users access to a vast collection of songs, trending tracks, and artist selections.
- Beta Version: WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.2.5
- Music Duration:
- Photo Status: 15 seconds
- Video Status: Matches video length
- Features:
- Music search functionality
- Artist profile integration
- Song scrubbing capability
- Cross-platform compatibility with Instagram
How the Feature Works
The new functionality offers a seamless music selection process through a dedicated button in the status editor. Users can search for specific songs, artists, or browse trending tracks. For photo Status Updates, music clips are limited to 15 seconds, while video Status Updates can feature music that matches the video's duration. The system also includes a scrubbing feature, enabling users to select precise portions of songs for their updates.
Viewer Experience and Integration
When viewing a Status Update with music, users will see the song title and artist information displayed in the top left corner, just below the creator's name. The feature goes beyond simple music playback by allowing viewers to tap on the track name and be redirected to the artist's Instagram profile, creating a cross-platform music discovery experience.
Future Availability
While currently limited to select beta testers, WhatsApp is expected to expand the feature's availability to more users in the coming weeks. This gradual rollout approach allows the platform to gather feedback and ensure stability before a wider release to the general public through the stable channel.