Evolution of WhatsApp in 2020: Here are the Top 10 Features

WhatsApp is the most used messaging platform around the world, has gone through a tremendous change. It's no wonder that our favourite app has bought a bunch of new features and experience updates. The WhatsApp instant messaging platform introduced some major features and updates in 2020. Let's take a look.

Here are the top 10 features released on WhatsApp in 2020:

Always Mute: WhatsApp had introduced the Always Mute feature earlier this month. The feature enables the user to mute their WhatsApp groups forever. Earlier, users could mute their groups for one year, but after completing one year, settings would return to normal. Not anymore though, as you can now mute those pesky groups forever.

Animated Sticker Pack: WhatsApp has also introduced a new animated sticker pack to its Android and iOS app. The company has converted the WHO "Together at Home" sticker pack into an animated sticker pack.

Customizable Wallpapers: WhatsApp had implemented the feature on Android, iOS, and the Web Customizable wallpapers.

WhatsApp is working on another latest feature called Advanced Wallpaper Feature. This would allow users to change different wallpapers for different contacts. The feature is under development and will be implemented after a successful test.

Disappearing Messages: WhatsApp had implemented the Snapchat-style disappearing messages featured a few months ago. This feature allows users to delete chats after a period of seven days automatically. The disappearing messages feature can be activated for individual chats as well as for groups.

Dark Mode: One of the main features that WhatsApp rolled out in 2020 was the dark mode. This feature filters out harmful lights to decrease eye strain. The feature is available on WhatsApp web, Android and iOS.

In-App Ads: Another feature that will be available is in-app ads. Until now, WhatsApp informed users about its recently launched features through advertisements on its social media pages. That's about to change as the company plans to introduce in-app ads in the form of in-app banner ads. Once the users click on the banner ad, they will get details about the WhatsApp update.

QR Code Feature

WhatsApp has also rolled out the much-anticipated QR code support for iOS users. This feature allows users to share their QR code instead of their phone numbers. Users can scan a QR code to add a new contact instead of typing out the numbers.

Sticker Search: WhatsApp has also added a new sticker search feature in its mobile apps. This feature allows users to search for relevant stickers just like searching for GIFs in the app.

Video, Voice Call via Desktop App: Now, WhatsApp users can make voice calls and video calls via Android and iOS apps. But they can't make calls, both video and voice, through the WhatsApp desktop app. That might change as the messaging app is working on a feature that would allow users to make voice and video calls from the WhatsApp desktop app. The feature supports group calls, as it does in the case of the mobile app.

WhatsApp Pay - After struggling almost two years to launch the payments feature, WhatsApp successfully launched the payments feature. The feature was announced on November 6 but went live for most users with support for major banks including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, State Bank of India, and Jio Payments Bank earlier this week. The feature enables users to make payments through the app.