WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.42: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.17.42.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to assign tags to group chat members, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.4.3 update, we announced that a feature to assign labels to group chat members was under development. This feature will offer group participants the ability to create and apply personalized labels that define their role or responsibilities within the group. These custom labels will be visible only within the specific group where they are set, ensuring both privacy and context-sensitive clarity. Although this feature is still in development, WhatsApp appears to be actively refining these group labels ahead of its official beta release, aiming to provide users with a more optimized experience from the outset. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.42 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to assign tags to group chat members!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will allow users to add custom tags to their profiles within a specific group, scheduled for release in a future update. In a shift from the initial terminology, it appears that WhatsApp is moving away from calling this feature "labels" and now refers to it as "tags". This subtle change may reflect a specific strategy to enhance user understanding and clarity, as while the term "labels" might have caused some confusion, the term "tags" may feel more familiar and intuitive.

The purpose of adding tags to group members remains aligned with the original concept behind labels. It allows users to define their role or position in a group chat, whether it's "Project Manager", "Parent", "Coach", or "Event Organizer". Users will be able to set a tag directly from the group chat info screen by selecting their name from the group members list and adding a tag. By tagging themselves, users will help others quickly understand who to contact for specific matters, improving communication and efficiency within large or task-oriented groups.

Tags will be particularly useful in groups that require a clear structure, such as school communities, workplace teams, or volunteer organizations where defined roles are essential. They provide a way for members to self-identify, making it easier to communicate individual areas of expertise, assigned responsibilities, or preferred topics of engagement. This can help streamline group interactions by making it clear who to approach for specific tasks or information. Unlike usernames or profile names, which remain consistent across all chats, tags are visible only within the specific group where they are applied. This ensures an added layer of privacy and contextual relevance across different group conversations.

It's important to mention that these tags will remain intact even if a user reinstalls WhatsApp or resets their device. This ensures continuity and preserves group structure over time, as roles and responsibilities assigned through tags won’t need to be re-entered. It's a particularly useful feature for long-standing groups where roles don't change often. It also helps when members return after being inactive, allowing them to resume their role without confusion.

A feature to assign tags to group chat members is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

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