Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is rolling out a new and improved typing indicator for both individual and group chats, accessible to some beta testers.
The update aims to enhance the user experience by providing a more intuitive and seamless way to identify who is active in a conversation.
Previously, when a user was typing, the indicator would appear at the top of the screen in the application bar, under the group name in group chats or beside the contact name in individual chats.
This placement required users to momentarily look away from the ongoing conversation to see who was typing. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the new design changes this experience significantly.
With the latest update, the typing indicator now appears directly within the chat screen as a chat bubble, positioned above the input field.
This makes it faster and more convenient for users to see who is typing without having to divert their attention from the conversation.
The chat bubble approach ensures that the typing status is integrated more naturally into the flow of the conversation.
Notably, the update doesn’t only apply to typing indicators. The voice recording indicator will also now appear in the chat interface in a similar manner. Whether a user is typing or recording a voice message, the activity will be visible within the chat itself, offering a consistent experience across different modes of communication.
For group chats, the improvement is even more significant. When multiple users are typing simultaneously, their profile icons will now appear within the chat bubble, giving users a clearer indication of all participants actively contributing to the conversation. This new feature adds a dynamic element to group discussions, allowing users to stay updated on who is typing in real time.
The redesigned typing indicator also extends to individual chats, offering the same seamless experience where users can see who is typing within the conversation without having to check the top of the screen. This enhancement provides continuity across all chat types on the platform.
This update is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to create a more dynamic and user-friendly conversation experience. By introducing features that offer real-time feedback during chats, the messaging app aims to improve the overall flow and interactivity of conversations for its global user base.
The redesigned typing and recording indicators reflect WhatsApp’s commitment to refining its features based on user needs and feedback. As with all beta releases, the company is likely to gather insights from testers before the full rollout to all users.
However, for now, the redesigned typing indicator is available to selected beta testers as WhatsApp continues to fine-tune the user experience.
WhatsApp has not yet confirmed when the update will be released globally, but given the positive feedback so far, it is expected that the feature will be rolled out more widely in the coming months.