WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to assign labels to themselves in group chats, enhancing organization and clarity in conversations. This update, discovered by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, is currently available for testing.
What Is the New Label Feature?
With this new feature, WhatsApp users will be able to add a custom label to themselves in each group chat they are part of. These labels are designed to help group members easily identify roles within the chat, reducing confusion—especially in large groups.
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The label will be visible to all current and future group members but will remain exclusive to that specific chat. It will not be displayed outside the group or affect the user’s contact name. Additionally, once a label is set, it stays in place even if the user resets or reinstalls WhatsApp. However, users can update or remove their labels at any time.
Suggested and Customizable Labels
To make things even simpler, WhatsApp will provide preset label suggestions, including:
- “Jordan’s parent”
- “Coach”
- “Chairperson”
However, users are not restricted to these options. They can create custom labels to best describe their role in a particular group, such as “HR Manager,” “Event Organizer,” or “Tech Support.” This flexibility ensures that every group, from workplace chats to school discussions and hobby groups, can use labels in a way that best fits their needs.
How Labels Improve Group Communication
The introduction of labels could significantly improve organization in WhatsApp group chats. In communities with multiple participants, such as school groups, work teams, or moderated discussion forums, it can often be difficult to identify who is responsible for what.
For example, in a workplace chat, an HR representative could label themselves accordingly, making it easier for employees to know who to contact for HR-related queries. Similarly, in a school group, parents could label themselves based on their children’s names, helping others quickly recognize them. The feature also prevents misunderstandings, as members can instantly see if someone is a coach, a team leader, or a specialist in a specific area.
User Control Over Labels
One important aspect of this feature is that users have complete control over their own labels. Only the individual can assign or modify their label—group admins or other members cannot edit someone else’s label. This ensures privacy and autonomy in group settings.
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As of now, the label feature is still in development and is not available to all beta testers, even those with the latest beta version. WhatsApp typically rolls out new features gradually, meaning it could take weeks or even months before it becomes widely available. However, since it has already been spotted in the beta build, it is likely that WhatsApp will introduce it in a future update.