WhatsApp’s latest addition, now under beta testing, is part of the company’s ongoing attempts to improve group communication. This time, it’s apparently working on a feature called ‘Group Member Tags’ that will allow users to tag themselves with personalized labels in group chats. This feature, which is meant to improve clarity and identification among big or purpose-based groups, is available to selected Android beta testers only.
New tagging feature: Details.
According to WABetaInfo, the new WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.42 allows users to add tags with a maximum length of 30 characters. Users will be able to add tags to both current and newly created groups, which will benefit professional teams, clubs, and community groups.
These may be responsibilities, expertise, or hobbies:
- Roles include coach, project manager, designer, moderator, and more.
- These tags will be visible next to the user’s name in the group, allowing other members to readily identify each person’s purpose and position.
Tags are fully user-controlled with no administrative constraints.
One of the best aspects of the new functionality is that the tag will be managed by the users rather than the group’s administrator.
This means that every member of the group will have the ability to update, create, or remove tags based on what is going on in the group.
However, for security concerns, WhatsApp imposes some limits on the participants of the group:
- Tags will not be allowed to include special characters.
- Checkmarks and clickable links will not be permitted in the group.
- The maximum length is 30 characters.
With these principles, members of the group will have clarity and avoid making silly comments in between group conversations.
Visible across devices
- According to the report, tagged members would remain accessible even if the user changes devices or reinstalls the instant messaging service.
- The tag will remain limited to the group in which it was made and will not appear in other chats or global WhatsApp settings.
- The function is now only available to beta testers, but WhatsApp plans to make it available to all Android users in the coming months.
How can I add or change a group member tag?
If you are a member of the WhatsApp beta program, here’s how to use the function.
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device and join the group you want.
- Go to the Group Info page and tap your name.
- Fill fill the field with the tag of your choice.
- Tap Save to apply the tag.
- The tag is instantly visible to all group members.
