WhatsApp constantly updates its features. Some might be “hidden” because they’re not prominently displayed, or because users aren’t aware of their existence.

Here are 13 WhatsApp features that can significantly enhance your chatting experience:

1. Video calls effects: After adding night mode and video call effects earlier this year, WhatsApp is now allowing users to select from an even wider range of effects like puppy ears, karaoke microphone and underwater effect.

2. Status tagging/mentions: The most prominent addition that a lot of users have been commending is the amazing feature that allows you to tag your contacts in your status. This is a feature that has been long overdue. No longer do you have to just vaguely hope someone sees your status. You can now directly tag them and ensure they’re in the loop. Whether you want to share an exciting update, make a shout out to them for a celebration, or you just want to make sure your friend sees your hilarious meme, this feature has got you covered.

WhatsApp also promises that 1:1 and group video calls are now more reliable with the addition of higher resolution video that should deliver clearer picture quality.

3. Share statuses: One of the coolest new features in the WhatsApp new updates for October 2024 is the ability to share someone’s status directly to your own status or with a contact. So did you see something so great on someone else’s status that you just want to share it? Now, with just a couple of taps, you can pass it along to your friends or the wider world. This means you can easily get and share a friend ‘s status updates without having to ask them to send it to you or you needing to download third party apps to download WhatsApp status updates.

4. Reacting to status: Another standout feature of the WhatsApp new updates in October 2024, is the ability to react to statuses with a tap of the green heart. Feeling the love for someone’s holiday photos? Now, instead of leaving a comment or typing an emoji, you can simply tap that heart and move on with your day. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those who want to acknowledge without the need for words (or for when words just fail!).

5. Message Reactions: Quickly respond to messages with emojis without sending a separate message. Long-press a message to access reactions.

6. Message Scheduling: Schedule messages to be sent at a later time. Useful for reminders or sending messages when you’re unavailable. This feature is not available in all versions of WhatsApp.

7. Message Self-Destruct (Disappearing Messages): Set messages to disappear after a set time (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days). Offers more privacy in certain conversations. This must be enabled in the chat settings.

8. Message Editing: Correct typos or add information to messages even after sending them. You have a short window to edit, typically indicated in the chat.

9. Mute Specific Chats: Mute individual chats without leaving the group. This will prevent notifications from that specific chat while still keeping you part of the group.

10. Create Custom Notifications: Set different notification sounds, lights, or vibration patterns for specific contacts or groups. This allows you to personalize the way you receive messages.

11. Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop App: Access WhatsApp on your computer for a more efficient typing experience and to avoid constantly switching between devices.

12. Broadcast Lists: Send the same message to multiple contacts simultaneously without creating a group chat. This is useful for announcements or sharing information with several people.

13. Starred Messages: Mark important messages with a star for easy retrieval later. Useful for saving key details in conversations.

These features vary slightly depending on your WhatsApp version and mobile operating system, but most modern versions offer these capabilities. Explore the app’s settings and menus to discover even more features hidden within WhatsApp’s interface.