What’s happened? WhatsApp is testing a new way for people to identify themselves inside group chats. Spotted by WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android introduces a new feature that lets users assign and display custom tags in group chats. Instead of guessing who does what in busy threads, users can now add a custom “member tag” next to their name. This label indicates their role or purpose within that specific group.
WABetaInfo
This is important because: WhatsApp is trying to bring clarity and structure to large group chats that can spiral into chaos.
- Users can set a tag up to 30 characters in length; special characters, checkmarks or links are not allowed.
- Member tags appear in two places: next to a member’s name in the participants list and inside message bubbles in the group chat.
- Each tag is group‐specific, meaning you can have different tags in different groups.
Why should I care? The purpose of member tags is to help clarify roles and responsibilities in larger or structured groups.
- If you’re in active WhatsApp groups (work teams, school clubs, event organising), the tag feature can bring clarity in terms of roles.
- It gives all members, not just admins, the power to describe their role or interest, making group dynamics more transparent.
- Because tags are editable at any time, your identification can stay current as your role in the group changes.
OK, what’s next? We can expect several improvements as WhatsApp is working on chatting across other messaging apps, preparing a game-changing update for iPhone users, and adding stronger measures to protect accounts from scams and cyberattacks. It’s also rolling out a new hub to view recently shared media from all chats in one place.
- If you’re part of the WhatsApp beta programme on Android, open a group chat > tap group info > participants > your name, and check if “Add tag” is visible.
- If you don’t see it yet, wait for some time as the rollout is gradual and more testers should gain access in the coming weeks.
