WhatsApp is rolling out a new beta update, version 2.24.18.16, through the Google Play Beta Program. This update brings an exciting new feature: the ability to filter chats using custom lists. With this addition, WhatsApp aims to help users better manage their conversations and contacts. While the feature is still in development, it promises to make the app more user-friendly and efficient for personal and business use.
What are Private Lists in WhatsApp?
In a previous beta update (2.24. 18. 9), WhatsApp introduced the concept of custom lists, which allowed users to create lists that included specific people and group chats. This was designed to provide a more organized way to handle interactions and allow users to easily find and communicate with the people who matter most to them. Now, with the new beta update (2.24. 18. 16), WhatsApp has taken this feature a step further, adding a Chat filter Option associated with these special listings.
How Does Chat Filter Work?
The new chat filter feature is designed to make navigating conversations easier and faster. Here's an explanation of how it works:
1. Create Your Custom Lists: Start by creating lists that include contacts or group chats. For example, you might want separate lists for “Family,” “Work,” “Friends,” or “Customers.”
2. Automatic Filter Creation: When you create a list, WhatsApp will automatically add a filter for that list at the top of your chat screen. This filter will have the same name as your list, making it easy to identify.
3. Filter Chats by List: When you choose a custom filter, WhatsApp will only display chats that are in that specific list. This way, you can focus on the conversations that are most important at the moment without letting other chats distract you.
Why Use Custom Lists and Filters?
There are several reasons why these new custom lists and filters are useful for WhatsApp users:
1. Advanced Organization: Custom lists and filters help you keep your chat screen organized. If you chat with a lot of different people on a regular basis, having the ability to filter through specific lists can prevent your chat screen from getting cluttered and overwhelming.
2. Saves Time: Instead of scrolling through dozens or even hundreds of chats, you can quickly find what you need. This feature is especially useful for professionals or people who manage a lot of chats, such as those in busy group chats.
3. Better Focus: By filtering out less important conversations, you can concentrate on the most relevant ones. This can help reduce distractions and increase productivity, especially in business or commercial contexts.
4. Improved Business Efficiency: For businesses using the WhatsApp Business app, this feature can help streamline communication. For example, companies can create lists for “New Leads,” “Pending Orders,” or “Customer Support” to make sure they never miss an important message. Custom filters make it easy to check the status of different customer interactions at a glance.
How to Create and Use Custom Lists and Filters
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can start using this new feature:
1. Open WhatsApp Settings: Go to the settings menu in your WhatsApp app. Look for an option related to chat management or lists.
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2. Create a New List: You will find the option to create a new list. Select people or groups to add to this list. You can name the list anything you want, such as “Work”, “Family” or “Customers”.
3. Access Custom Filter: Once your list is created, WhatsApp will automatically create a custom filter at the top of the chat screen. The filter will have the same name as your list, making it easy to identify.
4. Filter Your Chats: Tap the filter to view only chats associated with a specific list. This allows you to focus on specific conversations and keep irrelevant messages out of your field of vision.
5. Change or Delete Lists: You can always change your lists by adding or removing people or groups. If you no longer need a list, you can simply delete it and the associated filter will disappear from your chat screen.
Use Cases for Custom Lists and Filters
There are many ways you can use this new feature to improve your WhatsApp experience:
– For Personal Use: You can create lists for different groups of people in your life, such as “Family,” “Close Friends,” and “Colleagues.” This way, you can quickly find and respond to the most important messages without having to scroll through all your chats.
– For Work or Projects: If you use WhatsApp for work, you can create lists for different projects, teams, or clients. For example, you can have filters like “Project A,” “Marketing Team,” or “Client X.” This makes it easier to keep track of work-related conversations and manage tasks more efficiently.
– For businesses: Businesses can use custom lists to organize customer communications. Lists like “New Customers,” “High Priority Customers,” or “Pending Orders” can help businesses respond to different types of inquiries or transactions more quickly and effectively.
Benefits for Businesses Using WhatsApp
The new custom lists and filters feature is especially useful for businesses using WhatsApp. Here’s how it can help:
1. Efficient Customer Management: Businesses can categorize customers and conversations into lists, making it easier to follow up with new leads, process orders, or answer customer questions. This can lead to better customer service and faster response times.
2. Improved Team Collaboration: Within teams, businesses can create lists for internal communication, such as “Sales Team” or “Support Team.” This helps team members stay aligned and quickly find messages relevant to their work.
3. Regular Transaction Tracking: Using lists like “Completed Orders” or “Pending Payments,” businesses can track transactions and ensure they are completed on time.
4. Improved Customer Support: Businesses can create custom lists for customer support queries. This allows customer service representatives to quickly access and resolve issues without being distracted by irrelevant messages.
Limitations and Considerations
While the new custom list and filter feature looks promising, there are a few things to consider:
– Still in Development: This feature is currently only available in beta, so it may not be available to all users yet. WhatsApp is testing it and there may be changes before the final release.
– Requires User Setup: Users will need to spend some time setting up their custom lists. However, once they are created, they can significantly streamline your chat experience.
– May Not Be Suitable for All Users: Not everyone will find this feature useful. If you don’t have a lot of conversations or prefer to see everything at once, the traditional chat view may be better for you.
Solution
The custom lists and filters feature in the latest WhatsApp beta update offers an exciting new way to manage conversations. Whether you’re an individual looking for better organization or a business looking to improve communication efficiency, these tools can help you stay focused, save time, and respond quickly to important messages.
As this feature continues to evolve, WhatsApp users can expect a more personalized and effective chat experience. Stay tuned for the official release to see how these custom lists and filters can improve your WhatsApp experience!