WhatsApp, the most widely used instant messaging app is experimenting with a new feature that lets users tag themselves with personalized labels inside group chats. The aim with the new feature is simple give clarity to mixed conversations by letting people define how they appear. This includes whether they’re a project lead, a moderator, or just “That Friend Who Forgets to Reply.”
Although right now, the feature is available only to a select group of Android beta testers. But considering some early reports, it could be a big update for communities, work teams, and large friend groups alike.
What These Tags Look Like?
Customizable and Concise: Each tag can be up to 30 characters long, but there are some restrictions like you can’t include special symbols, links, or verification checkmarks.
Self-Assigned: Unlike admin-given titles, these tags are completely under the control of each user. No one else assigns them for you.
Group-Specific: A tag you set in one group stays within that group. So if you’re “Project Manager” in your work chat, you’ll still be “Foodie” in your friends’ group.
Persistent Across Devices: Even if you switch phones or reinstall the app, your tag stays as long as you’re using the same WhatsApp account.
How to Set and Edit Your Tag?
To give yourself a label inside a group, just:
Open the group on your Android phone
Go to the “Group Info” screen
Find your name in the member list
Tap on it and choose “Add tag” or “Edit tag”
Enter your label (e.g. “Designer,” “Coach,” or “Moderator”) and hit save
Once done, that tag will appear next to your name for everyone in that group.
Why This Matters?
Nowadays a lot of people are part of busy WhatsApp groups where dozens of people talk all the time. Therefore this new update works perfectly for them. It helps members instantly understand who’s who without needing explanations or admin calls.
Additionally at the same time, by keeping the tags optional and member-controlled, WhatsApp preserves the casual, peer-to-peer feel of its chats. It’s not about hierarchy it’s about context according to the messaging app.
The Road Ahead
Because the feature is still in beta phase, it may take a while to reach all users. WhatsApp typically rolls out major updates gradually to ensure stability. If the testing goes well, we could see these role-based tags rolling out to more Android users and possibly to iOS later on.
