Meta’s popular messaging app WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to roll out an Instagram-like “Close Friends” feature that will give users more control over who sees their Status updates. According to the latest report by Business Today, this new option is currently under development and was spotted in WhatsApp beta builds for Android. At present, WhatsApp users choose from basic Privacy settings when sharing a Status. They can select “My Contacts,” “My Contacts Except,” or “Only Share With.” With the new Close Friends list, users will be able to save a group of trusted contacts that they often share personal updates with. This change makes sharing intimate moments easier, without the need to constantly adjust privacy settings. Feature tracker WABetaInfo first spotted the Close Friends option in beta versions 2.26.5.11 and 2.26.5.13 on Android, suggesting a wider rollout could come soon after testing is complete. Instead of manually selecting contacts every time, users can now pre-define their inner circle and use it with just one tap. Unlike Instagram, where only followers can be added to a Close Friends list, WhatsApp’s version will use the app’s existing contacts. Users can add or remove people from their Close Friends list either from the Status privacy settings screen or directly when posting a Status update. However, changes to the list will apply only to future Status posts. If someone is removed after a Status is posted, they will still be able to see updates they were initially granted access to. Reports from other tech news outlets confirm that WhatsApp testers noticed customised lists can even have names and emojis, making it easier for users to distinguish different groups, such as close family versus colleagues. Selected contacts in the Close Friends list are expected to see a different coloured circle around the sender’s profile photo, much like Instagram’s green ring that shows stories shared with only close friends. For many users, this feature could be a valuable privacy tool. People often hesitate to post photos or thoughts on WhatsApp Status because they do not want everyone in their contact list to see them. The Close Friends list gives a private space to share moments without stress. WhatsApp has not yet announced when the Close Friends feature will be widely available. The company is currently testing the tool with beta users and gathering feedback before a stable release.