WhatsApp tests 24-hour status posts for channels

WhatsApp is testing a new Channel Status feature that would let channel admins publish temporary status-style updates inside their channels. The posts are expected to disappear after 24 hours, giving channels a short-lived format alongside the permanent broadcasts they already use.

Channel Status adds 24-hour posts to WhatsApp channels

The feature mirrors regular WhatsApp Status behavior rather than the standard channel update format. That means channel admins would be able to share announcements, media, or quick updates that expire after a day instead of staying visible in the channel feed.

At present, channels rely on regular updates that remain available for much longer. Channel Status would add another option for posts that are meant to be timely and temporary, rather than pinned as long-term channel content.

iOS beta build 26.16.10.70 shows the feature under development

Channel Status was spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.16.10.70, released through TestFlight. The feature is still under development and is not available for beta testing yet.

That leaves the rollout timing open. WhatsApp has not confirmed when the feature will reach testers, whether it will expand beyond iOS, or if it will behave the same way across platforms once it launches.

Admin-only utility and the next rollout question

The feature is aimed at channel admins, not ordinary followers. For operators running channels, it would create a faster way to publish short-lived updates without turning every message into a permanent channel post.

The exact interface is still unclear, but the plan appears to be to let admins create a status update directly from the channel area. Until WhatsApp ships it more broadly, Channel Status remains a development-stage feature with no confirmed public release date.

Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.