Here's how you can mention other users in WhatsApp status updates.

The evolution of WhatsApp does not stop and, in its effort to keep up with the demands of its users, the popular messaging application has recently incorporated the option of mention other users in status updatesThis feature not only adds another layer of personalization to our ephemeral posts, but also brings the WhatsApp experience closer to what other social platforms like Instagram and Facebook already offer.

However, this is not a simple copy of what already exists on other networks: WhatsApp has been able to adapt the functionality to guarantee the privacy and direct notification to the aforementioned contacts. The result is a highly curated experience, where the user has greater control over who can stay informed about their most important moments.

What is the mention feature in WhatsApp statuses?

Mentions in WhatsApp statuses allow you to directly tag other contacts when sharing ephemeral content—whether images or videos—in the News Feed (Status) section. The main objective is to ensure that the person mentioned receives a special notification, so they don't miss that specific post. It's important to note that The mention tag is only visible to the mentioned user and not for the rest of the contacts who can see the status.

This new feature has been rolled out after several months in beta, and while its functionality may resemble Instagram Stories, WhatsApp introduces important nuances regarding privacy and audience control. Furthermore, the app allows the aforementioned contact to share the status on their own profile, replicating the repost option found on other social networks. However, the list of contacts mentioned is not shared in reposting, thus preserving the anonymity of the mentions.

Why is WhatsApp introducing this feature now?

Since the WhatsApp statuses They arrived in 2017, and many of their features have been inspired by the most popular features of other social platforms. WhatsApp seeks to strengthen interaction and participation within its ecosystem., thus facilitating more direct and relevant connections between its users.

The new mention option comes after ongoing developments observed by portals like WABetaInfo, which have closely monitored the app's beta versions and anticipated the feature's arrival.

Steps to mention a contact in WhatsApp statuses

To take advantage of this feature, first Check that you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device, as the status mention feature is only available in the latest updates (from version 2.24.20.3 onwards for Android). This process is quick and easy:

• Open your mobile app store (Google Play Store on Android).
• Seeks "WhatsApp» and check if an update is available. If so, install it.

Once you have everything updated, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the "News»Or«States«.
2. Create a new status using a photo or video (important: you can only mention if your status contains an image or video, not just text).
3. On the editing screen, locate the at sign (@) icon in the bottom right bar.
4. Press the @ button To open your contacts list, select the people you want to mention (up to a maximum of five) and confirm your selection.
5. The @ icon will turn white when the mention has been successfully registered.
6. If you need to remove a contact before posting, tap the x that appears on their profile picture.
7. post your status normally.

By following these steps, you can have specific people receive a special notification about your status, ensuring they don't miss out on that content.

What happens when you mention someone in your status?

Mentioning a user in your status triggers several important actions:

• Immediate notification: The person mentioned receives a notification that takes them directly to the state where they were tagged, increasing visibility and encouraging engagement.
• Guaranteed privacy: Only the person or people mentioned can see that they have been tagged, protecting your privacy.
• Reposting statuses: The person mentioned can share that status on their profile, but without revealing the list of tagged contacts, thus maintaining discretion.
• Independence from privacy settings: If a contact has restrictions on viewing your statuses, if they are mentioned, they will be able to access that update.

Terms and limitations of WhatsApp mentions

It is important to keep in mind some restrictions when using this feature:

• You can only mention up to five people in each state.
• The function only works with photos or videos, not in text-only states.
• There are no public indicators of who was mentioned, only the private notification to the user.
• The goal is to protect privacy and avoid uncomfortable mentions.

This strategy differentiates WhatsApp from other social networks, prioritizing privacy and personalized communication.

Other news in the statuses: private reactions and likes

In addition to mentions, WhatsApp has incorporated other functions in the states, such as quick reactions with emojis y I like privateThese tools promote immediate responses while maintaining confidentiality:

• I like private: Only the status creator can see who has reacted, in an exclusive section.
• Quick reactions: They allow you to respond with emojis in seconds, encouraging interaction without long messages.

These features enrich the experience of sharing moments and opinions, while maintaining the privacy that characterizes WhatsApp.

Innovation in group interaction: mentions of groups in the states

A very interesting functionality is that of mention entire groups in a stateThis allows you to send notifications to all group members without having to tag them individually, providing an efficient way to communicate relevant information, events, or reminders to groups. When you mention a group, everyone will receive the notification and can access the status via a direct link.

For now, the limit remains at five mentions per status, both individual and group.

Related article:

WhatsApp is working on a feature to group and sort responses.

Key differences from other social platforms

Although the feature is inspired by Instagram and Facebook, WhatsApp has important differences in the management of mentions and privacy:

• Mentions on WhatsApp only notify privately. and don't affect the visibility of the entire status. On Instagram, mentions in stories are visible to everyone.
• Even if a contact can't see your usual statuses, if you mention them, they'll be notified and able to see it.
• By sharing a post on your status where you have been mentioned, It is not revealed who tagged him or the other contacts mentioned.

These differences provide greater discretion and control in the interaction, avoiding unnecessary exposure.

Tips and best practices to make the most of WhatsApp status mentions

Here are some recommendations for using this feature effectively and responsibly:

• Use mentions to highlight important publications, such as reminders, invitations or thanks.
• Respect the privacy of your contacts and avoid making mentions that could be invasive or annoying.
• Remember Only the tagged person will see the mention, use it as a direct, non-public communication.
• Before sharing sensitive information, make sure only the right people have access to your status.
• It is recommended to use reposting If you have been mentioned, but taking care of your privacy in the process.

What impact do mentions have on user experience?

Mentions in the states enhance social interaction on WhatsAppThey encourage participation, personalized attention, and immediacy, making it easier for users to share important content and feel included at key moments. This increases participation rates, encourages quick responses, and naturalizes communication on the platform.

These features, such as private mentions, reactions, and likes, transform how users share and highlight information, while maintaining the confidentiality that characterizes WhatsApp.