WhatsApp Close Friends Feature 2025: Complete Privacy Guide
WhatsApp is developing an Instagram-style Close Friends feature that will transform how we share status updates.
The feature, discovered by WABetaInfo in iOS beta version 25.23.10.80, lets users create selective sharing lists for more private status updates.
Unlike the current all-or-nothing approach, Close Friends gives you granular control over who sees your personal moments.
This strategic move aligns with Meta’s broader vision of unified privacy features across its platform ecosystem.
What is WhatsApp Close Friends Feature?
WhatsApp Close Friends is a new privacy feature that allows users to share status updates with a select group of contacts, similar to Instagram’s Close Friends feature.
The feature creates a curated list where you can add trusted contacts who get exclusive access to certain status updates.
Posts shared with Close Friends appear with a green badge or ring, clearly distinguishing them from regular status updates.
⚠️ Important: Close Friends is different from the existing “Only Share With” option – it creates a permanent list you can reuse without selecting contacts each time.
Currently, WhatsApp Status reaches 1.5 billion daily active users globally, making this privacy enhancement particularly significant.
The feature addresses a critical gap where users struggle to manage different social circles within one platform.
Business professionals can finally separate work contacts from personal friends without creating multiple accounts.
Parents can share family moments without broadcasting to distant acquaintances or professional connections.
How Does Close Friends Work on WhatsApp?
Setting up Close Friends on WhatsApp follows a straightforward process once the feature becomes available.
Here’s how to create and use your Close Friends list:
- Access Privacy Settings: Navigate to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Status
- Create Close Friends List: Select “Close Friends” option and tap “Add Contacts”
- Select Trusted Contacts: Choose people you want in your inner circle
- Share Selectively: When posting status, choose “Close Friends” instead of “My Contacts”
- Visual Confirmation: Your status appears with a green indicator showing it’s Close Friends only
The system protects your privacy by not notifying contacts when they’re added or removed from your list.
Visual indicators help you quickly identify which updates are private versus public.
✅ Pro Tip: Start with a small Close Friends list and expand gradually as you get comfortable with the feature.
You can modify your Close Friends list anytime without alerting the affected contacts.
WhatsApp vs Instagram Close Friends: Key Differences
While both platforms offer Close Friends features, their implementation differs in several key ways.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Type | Status updates (24-hour) | Stories and posts |
| Visual Indicator | Green badge/ring | Green ring around story |
| List Notifications | No notifications | No notifications |
| Platform Integration | WhatsApp only | Instagram only |
| Current Availability | iOS beta testing | Fully available |
WhatsApp’s implementation focuses on messaging app dynamics where contact lists often mix personal and professional connections.
Instagram’s version primarily serves content creators and influencers managing different audience segments.
The WhatsApp feature emphasizes privacy protection for everyday users rather than content distribution.
Privacy Benefits and User Control (2025)
Close Friends addresses critical privacy concerns that users have expressed for years.
You gain complete control over your digital boundaries without offending contacts excluded from certain updates.
The feature eliminates awkward situations where personal content reaches professional contacts or distant relatives.
Selective Sharing: The ability to choose specific audience segments for different types of content without creating multiple accounts or groups.
Business users can maintain professional relationships while sharing personal moments with actual friends.
The no-notification policy prevents social dynamics issues common with exclusive groups.
When Will Close Friends Be Available?
Close Friends currently exists in iOS beta version 25.23.10.80 through TestFlight.
WhatsApp typically takes 4-8 weeks to roll features from beta to stable release based on historical patterns.
Android users must wait longer as the feature hasn’t appeared in Android beta channels yet.
⏰ Timeline: Expect iOS rollout in late 2025, Android following 2-3 months later based on WhatsApp’s typical release schedule.
Global availability depends on beta testing feedback and technical stability assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people see if they’re in my WhatsApp Close Friends list?
No, WhatsApp doesn’t notify users when they’re added to or removed from your Close Friends list, maintaining complete privacy.
How is Close Friends different from ‘Only Share With’ option?
Close Friends creates a permanent, reusable list while ‘Only Share With’ requires manual selection each time you post.
Will Close Friends work across WhatsApp and Instagram?
No, the lists are platform-specific. Your Instagram Close Friends won’t sync with WhatsApp Close Friends.
When will Android users get the Close Friends feature?
Android availability typically follows iOS by 2-3 months, suggesting early 2025 release if iOS launches in late 2025.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s Close Friends feature represents a significant privacy evolution for the messaging platform.
The feature addresses long-standing user demands for selective sharing without social complications.
As Meta continues aligning features across platforms, expect more Instagram-inspired privacy tools coming to WhatsApp throughout 2025.