Let’s talk today about WhatsApp Stories , the same function present on other social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. This novelty allows WhatsApp users to set a “Story” in place of the old state: a timed photo, video or Gif that disappears 24 hours after publication. The new WhatsApp Stories are always called “Status”.

Let’s see in detail what they are and how to use them.

Update April 2017: The old status is available again! Beside the stories function, you can always use the old textual state. To use it, just go to the settings, click on the photo and choose one of the preset states or modify one as you wish.

What are WhatsApp Stories (the new “Status”)?

The announcement of WhatsApp anticipated that the stories were WhatsApp’s “gift” for his eighth birthday. The idea was born to provide users with a new way to let their friends know what they are doing . And not only through a written text, as in the case of the old state, but through an image decorated with writings, a short video or an animated Gif.

“We are thrilled – declares WhatsApp – to announce that we have reinvented the status function, which will allow you to share images and videos with your friends and contacts on WhatsApp in a simple and secure way.”

The new Stories feature modifies the WhatsApp Status making it completely similar to Instagram Stories , the same ones that originally appeared on Snapchat and then on Facebook.

How to use the Stories (the new status) WhatsApp?

To publish a WhatsApp Stories you just need to follow the same steps you have done up to now to publish a status:

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Click on the camera icon
3. Decide whether to record a photo or live video (by pressing and holding the button in the center) or choose a photo, video or Gif saved on your phone (use the button at the bottom left).
4. You just have to share by clicking on the button with the airplane symbol!

Remember that it can edit your videos and photos with different effects, like in the classic Stories you’ve already seen on other social networks.

If you are looking for some inspiration, here you will find a collection of phrases and images for WhatsApp to share with whoever you want.

How to activate Stories on WhatsApp?

The new WhatsApp stories feature will be gradually available on various devices. There is no need to update either on iPhone or on Andorid and Windows Phone. When the function is available, it automatically appears in the bottom bar.

You will know if you have access to the Status on iOS when the Contacts tab is replaced with a camera icon, and in the far left tab you will find the entry “Status”. Android users will see a new camera icon on the top left with the word “Status”.

How can I see the Stories of my contacts?

To view a status uploaded by your friend, simply open the Status tab .

A list of friends who have already posted their status will appear.

Tap the screen to pause a state and have more time to view it.

Click to go forward, or swipe left to see the next person’s Status.

Who can see my state?

You decide who can see your status. Basic WhatsApp is open to all your contacts, but you can select only a few. Among the options for the privacy of the States there is a box dedicated to this function. Click and choose who to show your status to.

NB When you change your privacy settings, this will not be valid for the already published status.

NB2. If you completely disable the read receipt, you won’t be able to see if the statuses you publish have been read or not.

Can I find out who has seen my Story?

As with the messages with double blue ticks, also for the new states there will be these symbols to indicate who saw it and when.

Can you silence the status update notification?

Yes. Go to Status and turn on Silent.

Is it possible to interact with states?

Yes, you can send a message to a person who has posted a status. Just swipe up on a status and you can send it a private message.

How long can a video uploaded as a status last?

Unlike Snapchat which allows you to upload videos of up to 10 seconds, the limit imposed by WhatsApp is 45 seconds.

What happens if someone takes a screenshot of my status?

Nothing is happening. Unlike other apps, if someone takes a screenshot of your WhatsApp Status, you don’t get any notification. So, be careful what you share! The fact that the state disappears after 24 hours does not mean that it will disappear forever, someone may have saved it on their cell phone.