WhatsApp is officially rolling out the Snapchat-like 'Status' on all platforms; Here is how to get started

WhatsApp has announced in a blog post that the company is rolling out the new 'status' feature on multiple platforms. One thing to note is that BlackBerry and Nokia users (if any) will not get this latest update.This feature takes almost the same approach that Snapchat and its ‘Snaps’ take, right from disappearing after 24 hours to the ability to doodle on the video or photo that we are adding to the status. You will see the update gradually roll out on your platform.To get started, head to the 'Status' tab and then tap on the new status button. The camera interface will launch when you press on the 'New Staus' button giving you the option to select an existing photo, click a photo or shoot a video, in addition, to switching the camera from front to back vice-versa. All the new 'Statuses that you add will be put under 'My status' which can be accessed using the three dots on the right of the screen.Pressing them will bring you to a detailed video of each status along with the time when the status was posted and the number of people who 'viewed' that status. The arrow button gives you the option of forwarding the status to individual conversations. You can tap on the status to open the image or video in full screen and you well be presented with an eye symbol at the bottom middle which gives you the option to check how many people have 'Viewed' the status in addition to an option to delete the status or forward it.The company detailed the progress of the app from 2009 when there was no messaging/chat feature in the app. WhatsApp was originally meant to be an app which tells your contacts about what you are doing using a basic 'My Status' tab on the original iPhone.One interesting thing to note is that the company always planned to improve the basic 'text' only status functionality of the app. The company will coincide the announcement of the new 'Status' functionality with 24 February, the 8th birthday of WhatsApp. This is not a new or sudden development and we reported it nearly three months back when the feature was present in WhatsApp as a hidden feature. We have detailed how the new 'status' feature works along with the time when WhatsApp tested the functionality almost a week back.One thing to note is that this is almost the same approach of how Snapchat and its 'Snaps' work, right from disappearing after 24 hours to the ability to doodle on the video or photo that we are adding to the status. The company is also working on a potential 'Business' profiles feature which will enable individuals or brands to reach users on WhatsApp.