This week, WhatsApp announced the Status feature will get a lot of new features. Updates that enable all of the new features are already rolling out to users globally, and everyone should have access to them in the next few weeks.

In other words, what’s new? To start with, you can now record and broadcast voice messages as status updates which can be up to 30 seconds long.

Additionally, it is possible to modify your privacy settings for each status so you can select who can view (or listen) it every time you post something.

As expected, your most recent selection will be stored and used as the standard for your upcoming statuses. WhatsApp’s Status feature has been given a lot of extra features such as vocal and reactions.

After the launch of WhatsApp’s reactions in chats last year, status reactions were the most requested feature. You can quickly reply to any status by swiping up and tapping one of eight emojis, and you can still reply with text, a voice message, or stickers too.

A new status profile ring will appear around your contact’s profile picture whenever they post a status update, which can be seen in the chat list, group participant lists, and contact info section.

Additionally, when links are shared on statuses now, a preview of the link will automatically appear; this not only makes the status look more attractive but also gives your contacts an indication of what the link is about before they click on it.