WhatsApp introduces one-tap chat option from status viewers list

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to instantly chat with contacts directly from the status viewers list.

According to WABetaInfo, the update adds a button next to each contact who viewed a user’s status. With a single tap, users can open a chat without leaving the status screen.

Previously, initiating a conversation required exiting the status screen, navigating to the chat tab, and selecting the contact manually. The new shortcut streamlines the process, making it easier to send quick or spontaneous messages right after someone views or reacts to a status.

Currently, the feature is available to iOS beta testers with the latest WhatsApp beta version, and it will expand to more users in upcoming updates.

The messaging app has also redesigned the status layout, moving the view count to the left, similar to Instagram Stories. Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out a translation tool that enables users to translate messages into more than 19 languages, including Dutch, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, Turkish, and Japanese.

All translations occur locally on the user’s device, ensuring privacy under WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, meaning even parent company Meta cannot access message content.