WhatsApp tips and tricks – Here is every cool feature you didn't know existed

As of October 2018, WhatsApp was said to have 1.5billion people using it every month (Image: Getty • WhatsApp)

WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service on the globe, meaning it surpasses rivals such as Facebook Messenger, WeChat and Skype in terms of active monthly users, according to Statista.

As of October 2018, WhatsApp was said to have 1.5billion people using it every month.

One of the reasons for the app’s laudable success is surely its regular stream of updates that add new and exciting functions.

With that said, here is Express.co.uk’s list of the best features you can take advantage of on WhatsApp.

Watch video without leaving a chat

WhatsApp was recently updated on Android to bring picture-in-picture viewing to users.

The feature was previously available on iOS handsets.

Picture-in-picture allows video to be consumed in a separate window, meaning you do not need to leave a chat in order to view it.

The functionally does not work with all videos with some YouTube content not complying with the feature.

However, for the most part the functionality works well and allows users to move the floating video around the app to suit their preference.

WhatsApp tips and tricks

WhatsApp was recently updated on Android to bring picture-in-picture viewing to users (Image: Express Newspapers)

Even more ways to express yourself

Earlier this year WhatsApp introduced stickers as a new method to communicate with those closest to you.

The adorable icons are a great way to add even more diversity to chats.

Stickers are easy to use and can be accessed by pressing the feature’s icon in the app.

Explaining the function, WhatsApp said: “Whether with a smiling teacup or a crying broken heart, stickers help you share your feelings in a way that you can’t always express with words.

“To start, we’re launching sticker packs created by our designers at WhatsApp and a selection of stickers from other artists.

“To use stickers in a chat, simply tap the new sticker button and select the sticker you want to share. You can add new sticker packs by tapping the plus icon.”

WhatsApp tips and tricks

Earlier this year WhatsApp introduced stickers as a new method to communicate with those closest to (Image: WhatsApp)

Get face-to-face with those closest to you

WhatsApp has vastly expanded its feature library this year with one of the most notable new additions being the introducing of group calling for video and voice.

The chatting app allows users to take part in group calls with up to four people.

While that figure is not as high as Apple’s FaceTime feature that lets 32 people chat at once, WhatsApp’s offering is perfect if some of your friends use an Android device.

Explaining the feature, WhatsApp stated: “You can make a group call with up to four people total – anytime and anywhere.

“Just start a one-on-one voice or video call and tap the new ‘add participant’ button in the top right corner to add more contacts to the call.

“Group calls are always end-to-end encrypted, and we’ve designed calling to work reliably around the world in different network conditions.”

WhatsApp tips and tricks

WhatsApp allows users to take part in group calls with up to four people (Image: WhatsApp)

Changes to forwarded messages

WhatsApp will now clearly highlight when messages have been forwarded from other users.

A tag will be present that says “forwarded”, making the user aware the message received has not come directly from the person they are chatting with.

WhatsApp tips and tricks

WhatsApp will now clearly highlight when messages have been forwarded from other users (Image: WhatsApp)

New group chat features

Earlier this year group chats received a new feature whereby only admins in a conversation could speak with each other.

Commenting on the function, WhatsApp said: “We’re launching a new group setting where only admins are able to send messages to a group.

“One way people use groups is to receive important announcements and information, including parents and teachers at schools, community centres, and non-profit organisations. We’ve introduced this new setting so admins can have better tools for these use cases.

“To enable this setting, open ‘Group Info,’ tap Group Settings > Send Messages and select ‘Only Admins’.”

Tell your friends where you are with the tap of a button

WhatsApp has two options when it comes to sharing a location with friends.

Users have the choice to share their live location or current location.

WhatsApp tips and tricks

Users have the choice to share their live location or current location on WhatsApp (Image: Express Newspapers)

The former will provide other real-time movements for time periods of either 15minutes, one hour or 8 hours.

Meanwhile, the latter will display the location of the user and not update it based on movement.

Location sharing can be accessed by pressing the paperclip icon in a chat and pressing “location”.

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