WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, is gearing up for a significant design overhaul by introducing Instagram-inspired custom chat themes. This new feature, currently in beta testing, will allow users to personalize their chat windows with various preset themes and colors, offering a fresh and visually appealing look for everyday conversations.
The idea of custom themes aligns with a growing trend among social media and messaging apps, where personalization and aesthetics play a crucial role in enhancing user experience. With over 2 billion users globally, and more than 500 million daily users in India alone, WhatsApp’s move to allow customizable chats is expected to attract significant attention, offering more control over the look and feel of the app.
The Evolution of WhatsApp Customization
WhatsApp, while renowned for its simplicity, has traditionally lagged behind competitors in terms of aesthetic customization. Users have had limited options for personalization—primarily through changing the wallpaper in chats. However, the introduction of Instagram-inspired themes promises to change that. Borrowing from Instagram’s more flexible and modern interface, WhatsApp is now giving users an opportunity to tailor their chats to their preferences, moving beyond the standard dark and light modes.
This change reflects Meta’s ongoing effort to synchronize features across its platforms—WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. With Instagram already offering custom themes for direct messages (DMs), it’s not surprising that WhatsApp is heading in a similar direction. As users increasingly seek more interactive and personalized experiences on their apps, the addition of themes would make WhatsApp feel more modern and responsive to user demands.
Current Status: Available in Beta Version
As of now, WhatsApp’s custom chat themes are available for a select group of users testing the beta version of the app. According to WABetaInfo, a well-known source for upcoming WhatsApp features, the custom themes have been spotted on the WhatsApp v2.24.20.12 beta for Android.
Android Authority, one of the few platforms that had access to these themes, revealed that several color presets are available for customization. Users can select themes from this range of preset colors, and while only a handful are fully functional in the current beta, more options are expected to roll out over time.
Despite the limited functionality in the initial release, testers were able to modify chat backgrounds with ease, choosing from vibrant and soft color tones, which provide a much-needed break from the default white or dark modes that have dominated WhatsApp for years.
How Custom Chat Themes Could Work
Although the feature is still in the testing phase, the implementation is likely to be similar to what we’ve seen on Instagram’s DM themes. Users would be able to select themes for individual or group chats, allowing different conversations to have unique visual styles. This would be a refreshing shift for those who frequently engage in multiple chats and want to create a distinction between personal and professional conversations.
To activate a custom theme, users would likely need to navigate to a chat, tap on the chat settings, and then choose a preferred theme from a list of available options. Themes could range from solid colors to gradient designs, providing a diverse selection to suit different tastes.
Release Timeline and Expectations
The custom chat themes are still in beta testing, with no official release date announced. However, WhatsApp typically introduces new features to the general public a few months after they appear in beta, provided that the testing phase goes smoothly.
Given that the feature is already making waves among beta testers, there’s considerable anticipation that custom chat themes will roll out in a future stable release of WhatsApp. Users should keep their apps updated to ensure they’re among the first to access this exciting new feature when it becomes publicly available.
Why This Matters for WhatsApp Users
WhatsApp has historically been a utility-focused messaging platform, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. However, as users demand more engaging and personalized app experiences, WhatsApp’s move to adopt Instagram-like features represents a shift in focus. For younger users and those who frequently use social media platforms, the ability to customize their chats adds an extra layer of interactivity and enjoyment.
This feature also signifies Meta’s intent to create a more unified design language across its platforms, ensuring that users switching between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger have a seamless experience in terms of design and functionality.
Conclusion
The introduction of Instagram-inspired custom chat themes on WhatsApp marks a significant step forward in the app’s evolution. While currently only available to beta testers, the feature is expected to enhance personalization for WhatsApp’s massive user base when fully launched. By offering a range of colors and themes, WhatsApp is taking a much-needed step to keep up with the aesthetic demands of modern users, ensuring that conversations are not only functional but visually appealing. As the feature continues to develop, users can look forward to more control over how they experience their chats on WhatsApp.
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