As of my last update in September 2021, WhatsApp had several special features that users could take advantage of. Please note that WhatsApp is continuously evolving, so some of these features may have been updated or changed since then. Here are some notable features that everyone should know about:

  1. End-to-End Encryption: WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice calls, and video calls. This means that only the sender and recipient can read or listen to the messages and calls, ensuring a high level of privacy and security.

  2. WhatsApp Web: WhatsApp Web allows users to access their WhatsApp account on a computer or laptop. By scanning a QR code from the WhatsApp app on their phone, users can sync their accounts and send and receive messages directly from their desktop.

  3. Voice and Video Calls: WhatsApp provides free voice and video calling features, allowing users to make high-quality calls over the internet to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world.

  4. Status Updates: Similar to Stories on other social media platforms, WhatsApp's Status feature lets users post photos, videos, or text updates that disappear after 24 hours. This feature can be used to share moments with friends and contacts.

  5. Group Chats: WhatsApp allows users to create group chats with up to 256 participants. Group admins have various controls, such as the ability to add or remove participants, change group settings, and restrict group messages.

  6. Media Sharing: Users can send various types of media, including photos, videos, audio messages, and documents. WhatsApp compresses media to save data, but users can choose to send files in their original resolution.

  7. WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp Business is a separate app designed for small businesses to interact with customers. It offers features like business profiles, automated greetings, quick replies, and labels to manage customer inquiries efficiently.

  8. Voice Messages: WhatsApp enables users to send voice messages, which can be more convenient than typing, especially for longer messages.

  9. Reply and Quote Messages: You can reply to specific messages in a chat by swiping right on the message or long-pressing it. This helps keep conversations organized, especially in busy group chats.

  10. Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp offers an added layer of security through two-step verification. Users can set up a six-digit PIN that is required to access their account, enhancing account protection.

  11. Custom Notification Tones: You can set custom notification tones for individual contacts or groups. This helps you identify who is messaging you without even looking at your phone.

  12. Live Location Sharing: WhatsApp allows users to share their real-time location with friends and contacts for a specific period, making it useful for coordinating meetups or keeping track of loved ones.

Remember that WhatsApp continuously updates and adds new features, so it's a good idea to regularly check for app updates to make the most of its capabilities.

(pc thetelegraf)