Given how music increases engagement on other platforms, this may be a major enhancement for WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has been working on an improved music sharing function in recent months that allows for a more customized song display in status updates.
Recent rumors from Android Police and WABetaInfo indicate that the feature is getting close to its formal introduction.
According to Android Police:
“Sharing to WhatsApp Status Updates will generate a preview of the song/album’s cover art, complete with the song and artist(s)′ names. Similar to sharing on Instagram, users will have four background color customization options — sampled from the cover art’s dominant colors. The viewers, on the other hand, will see a ‘Play on Spotify’ option when they look at your Status Update.”
What makes this such a noteworthy development, then?
As previously indicated, Meta has been aggressively incorporating additional music-related features, especially on Instagram, in an effort to leverage the robust engagement music drives on TikTok, which is still experiencing uncertainties in the United States.
Meta has been introducing a number of music facilities, including songs on Instagram profiles, “Add Yours” music stickers, music in Notes, lyric displays in Reels, music-sharing stickers in direct messages, and more, while TikTok’s future remains uncertain.
In the event that TikTok is outlawed, these changes might establish Instagram as a more compelling substitute for music-driven interaction. Adding WhatsApp-like features could have an even greater influence on international markets.
As the world’s most-used messaging app, WhatsApp is also gaining traction in the U.S. This latest move gives Meta another opportunity to tap into music-based engagement across its platforms—helping it stay competitive with TikTok, or even serve as a substitute if TikTok is removed from the landscape.
This gives Meta another opportunity to present its applications as vital channels for musicians to engage with their fans, even if TikTok stays in the picture.
Therefore, even if its functionality might not be revolutionary, it fits into a larger plan and might end up being a significant improvement.
Although the updated WhatsApp music sharing sticker has not yet been formally unveiled, it looks to be about to become live.