WhatsApp has launched a new feature enabling users to include brief music clips in their Status updates, a move reminiscent of Myspace’s music-sharing era. Status, WhatsApp’s version of Instagram Stories, allows users to share photos, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours. With this update, users can now enhance their Status updates with songs from a vast music library.

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Announcing the feature, WhatsApp stated, “WhatsApp Status has always been a way to share life’s moments with friends and family. Now, you can do exactly that by adding music to your Status updates.”

How the feature works

When creating a new Status, users will now see a music note icon at the top of the screen. Tapping it opens a library of millions of licensed songs, from chart-topping hits to lesser-known tracks. Users can select up to 15 seconds of a song for photo-based updates and up to 60 seconds for videos.

Though similar to Instagram’s music feature, WhatsApp differentiates itself by ensuring that music shared on Status is end-to-end encrypted. This means only friends can see the songs, and WhatsApp itself cannot access the shared tracks.

How to add music to WhatsApp Status

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Updates tab.
  2. Tap the camera icon to add a new Status.
  3. Choose a photo from the gallery or take a new one.
  4. Tap the music note icon at the top to access the music library.
  5. Select a song and pick the part of the track you want to feature.
  6. Adjust the placement of the music sticker if needed.
  7. Post the Status update with the selected song.

WhatsApp’s music library consists of licensed tracks, similar to Instagram’s feature. However, at present, users cannot upload their own music to Status updates.

Global rollout

WhatsApp has begun rolling out the feature globally, with availability expected to expand over the coming weeks. The update aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of integrating music across its platforms, following similar features introduced on Instagram profiles, Notes, and posts.

With this latest addition, WhatsApp is further enhancing its Status feature, giving users a creative way to express themselves through music, while maintaining its focus on privacy and encryption.