WhatsApp rolls out music integration for Status Updates

Summary

• WhatsApp is rolling out music integration for Status Updates to beta testers on Android.
• Users can choose from a licensed music catalog, with durations varying based on the type of status (video or photo).
• The feature is expected to reach the stable release in the coming weeks.

Meta-owned WhatsApp continues to borrow features from Instagram, its sister platform. Status Updates on WhatsApp have already adopted private mentions, likes, ‘Add Yours,’ poll stickers, and more—all of which debuted on Instagram first. Now, WhatsApp is testing the ability to add music to Status Updates, with the feature likely arriving for all users soon.

Testing for this feature began internally last year. As of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.2.5, it’s now rolling out to select beta testers. However, downloading the beta build is no guarantee of access. As reported by WABetaInfo, some users testing the beta have spotted a new music note icon in their status editor, signaling the new feature.

How it works

The music note icon appears in the status editor’s top bar, alongside tools for cropping, stickers, text, and markup. Tapping the icon opens an “extensive music catalog,” identical to Instagram’s licensed music library. Users can search for songs by title, artist, or browse trending and featured tracks.

The duration of the selected music depends on the type of status:

• Video Status Updates: Music clips match the video’s length.
• Photo Status Updates: Capped at 15 seconds.

Users can also scrub through tracks to select the exact portion they want to use.

From the viewer’s perspective, the Status Update will display the song’s title below the sharer’s name. Tapping the title will redirect viewers to the artist’s Instagram profile, offering a seamless way to discover new music.

While a confirmed release date remains uncertain, the feature is expected to roll out to the stable app in the coming weeks.

via Android Police