WhatsApp now allows users to add music to their Status updates, similar to Instagram Stories. Learn how to use this feature, what’s included, and what it means for your WhatsApp experience.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Music on Status Here’s Everything You Need to Know
WhatsApp Adds Music to Status Updates A New Way to Express Yourself
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WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is rolling out a brand-new feature that allows users to add music to their Status updates. Similar to what users may have already seen on Instagram and Facebook Stories, this new option provides a creative way for individuals to personalize their posts using music clips.
Currently being introduced through a phased rollout, the feature is expected to be available to all WhatsApp users worldwide within the coming weeks.
Why It Matters: The Power of Audio Expression
The new feature enhances the expressive power of WhatsApp Status — a feature used by over 500 million people daily according to Meta’s 2023 transparency report (source). WhatsApp Status allows users to post photos, videos, text, and now, music, that automatically disappear after 24 hours.
With this rollout, Meta is bridging the gap between its platforms, offering users a consistent experience across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. For users, it means more personalized and engaging content without having to switch apps.
How Music on WhatsApp Status Works
The new feature brings a wide selection of licensed songs to WhatsApp users through Meta’s music library. From regional hits to international chartbusters, users will be able to search for music by song title or artist, or simply browse curated playlists based on popularity in their region.
Here’s how to add music to your WhatsApp Status:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Status tab.
- Tap the ‘+’ icon to create a new status update.
- Choose a photo or video, or snap a new one using your camera.
- Click the music icon on the top toolbar.
- Search for a song or browse through suggestions.
- Tap the arrow next to the desired track to add it.
- Select the clip you want (15 seconds for images, up to 60 seconds for videos).
- Preview and post.
Additionally, if you’re viewing someone else’s status with music, tapping the song title will bring up an option to “Add a status with music,” making sharing even easier.
Feature Rollout: Who Gets It First?
As with many WhatsApp updates, this feature is being released gradually. Users in select regions, especially where WhatsApp usage is highest like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe, may already have access. A broader rollout is expected soon, and WhatsApp is encouraging users to update to the latest version of the app to access the feature when it becomes available.
iPhone Users Get a Bonus: WhatsApp as a Default App
Alongside the music update, WhatsApp is also adding a long-awaited feature for iOS users. iPhone users will soon be able to set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app—a major move especially considering Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem.
Initially rolled out in the European Union as part of compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), this change is now making its way to users globally. It enables more freedom for users to choose how they want to communicate, reducing Apple’s long-standing grip over default app settings.
To enable WhatsApp as your default on iOS:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Choose WhatsApp for messaging and calling
This update signifies a shift in Apple’s stance and opens up more flexibility for users, especially those who rely heavily on WhatsApp for daily communication.
What It Means for Users and Meta
This latest update signals Meta’s intent to keep WhatsApp relevant and competitive in a landscape where user engagement is increasingly driven by multimedia. By incorporating music, WhatsApp not only boosts content personalization but also keeps users within its ecosystem for longer periods—something platforms like TikTok and Instagram have already mastered.
According to a 2024 survey by DataReportal, 71.6% of global internet users aged 16-64 watch video stories on social platforms, and more than half of them interact with story music features when available (source). This trend makes the addition of music a timely enhancement for WhatsApp.
Final Thoughts: A Small Update with a Big Impact
The ability to add music to WhatsApp Status may seem like a simple addition, but it significantly enhances the user experience by making content more dynamic and expressive. As WhatsApp evolves from a basic messaging platform to a fully-featured social space, this feature marks another step in that transformation.
With a rich music library, seamless integration, and additional flexibility for iOS users, WhatsApp is positioning itself as more than just a chat app. It’s now a place for storytelling, creativity, and even social discovery—without ever leaving the platform.