According to reports, WhatsApp is in the process of making a major update to its Status privacy features, which will provide users with a more detailed control over who views their daily updates. The messaging giant is also coming up with a feature called Custom Lists according to the recent reports which will enable users to create specific audience groups on which their statuses will be set.
The move is a continuation of the previous finding that WhatsApp had been working on an Instagram-like feature of Close Friend, which will mark a significant change to a more personalized sharing of content using the platform.
What is the WhatsApp Custom Lists Feature?
The Custom Lists feature found by the trusted feature tracker WABetaInfo in the Android beta version 2.26.5.11 is intended to provide flexibility to the existing options of My Contacts or My Contacts Except.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that lets users create custom contact lists to control who can view their status updates, similar to Instagram’s sharing options. The feature, spotted in the Android beta version 2.26.5.11, is still under development. pic.twitter.com/LTG0KyeUVP
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) February 9, 2026
Just like the existing privacy on Facebook that can be customized, this feature enables users to create separate lists of friends. As an example, a user would be able to create a:
Family List: To post personal pictures and events of the family.
List Work: For exchanging professional updates with peers.
Close Friends List: To spend more casual or personal time.
How Will WhatsApp Custom Lists Work?
According to the report, the feature will be very customizable. Users will be able to:
Name the List: Each group will be named something particular (e.g., “Gym Buddies” or Office Team).
Assign an Emoji: Choose a representative emoji that will allow finding the list with ease.
Having created a list, it will be displayed together with the current privacy settings at the time of posting a status.
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