Back to the Future: WhatsApp Revives Its Original "About" Status Feature
In a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern social design, WhatsApp is rolling out a refreshed version of its very first feature: the "About" status. Long-time users will remember this simple, text-based blurb—the app's original function before it pivoted to secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging.
Think of it as the ultimate throwback to the early days of instant messaging, a direct descendant of the classic AIM Away Message. This isn't just a trip down memory lane, however; WhatsApp has given the About option a significant modern upgrade, making it more visible, interactive, and timely.
The Evolution of Status: From Availability Check to Ephemeral Updates
The original purpose of WhatsApp, before it became the messaging giant we know today, was to be an availability tracker. That first feature, the About section, was simply a way to let your contacts know what you were "up to"—busy, at the gym, or free to chat.
While the app introduced the visually rich "Status" (often called "WhatsApp Stories") years ago, which focuses on photos and videos, the core function of communicating quick, momentary availability was somewhat lost in the shuffle. The new "About" brings that simple, text-focused context back into the spotlight.
✨ What's New with the Revamped "About"?
The updated About feature takes a cue from the casual, ephemeral nature of social platforms like Instagram Notes, repackaging a simple idea for modern users.
1. Prime Real Estate and Visibility
The biggest practical change is where your "About" message appears. It will now be displayed in two highly visible places:
At the top of one-on-one chats, right underneath your contact's name. This gives you instant context about their availability or current mood before you even send a message.
Prominently on your user profile, making it easy for anyone viewing your info to see the update.
2. Designed for Quick Context
The About feature is perfect for those moments when your status changes throughout the day. It’s a lightweight alternative to posting a full Status update. You can quickly express:
Availability: "In a meeting, reply in 2 hours 🤫"
Mood/Activity: "Weekend traveling ✈️"
Simple Thoughts: "Currently obsessed with cold brew ☕"
3. Ephemeral by Default, Flexible by Choice
To keep things fresh and relevant, the new About status is set to automatically disappear after 24 hours—just like many modern ephemeral content formats.
Crucially, users have greater control over this timer. You can go into the Settings menu under the 'Set About' option to adjust the duration, making it vanish sooner or stick around for longer, depending on your needs.
4. Turning Status into Conversation
The new About is no longer just a passive update. Contacts can now reply directly to your About message by tapping on it within a chat window. This transforms the feature into an interactive conversation starter, allowing friends to quickly follow up on your update without it feeling intrusive.
5. Upholding Privacy Standards
WhatsApp ensures that the focus on privacy remains central. Users retain full control over who can view their About message, with customizable privacy settings that allow you to restrict visibility to:
Your contacts.
Only a select group of contacts.
The broader audience (if preferred).
💡 Why the Revival Matters
This isn't just a nostalgic product move; it's a calculated effort by WhatsApp to address a real-world communication problem.
The full, visual Status (Stories) is great for broadcasting major life events or content. However, users often need a simple, text-only way to share minor, momentary updates or a quick availability note. By reviving the original About feature and making it so prominent at the top of chats, WhatsApp provides that essential missing layer of context—making conversations more natural and less prone to miscommunication.
The global rollout is already underway, bringing this "old-is-new-again" feature to millions of users on mobile devices, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best.
What do you think of the new About status? Are you ready to bring back your AIM-style Away Message?
