WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to add custom messages to forwarded content, providing more context and clarity when sharing messages. This feature is currently rolling out to some beta testers on the Android version of the app.
Previously, WhatsApp allowed users to add captions only to media files like images, videos, and GIFs. This update extends that functionality to all types of content, including text messages, documents, and links. With this new feature, users can add a custom message to any forwarded content before sending it. This eliminates the need to send a separate follow-up message to explain the context or add additional information.
For example, when sharing a news article link in a group chat, users can now include their own thoughts or commentary directly with the link, reducing the chance of misinterpretation. Users can also replace existing captions on forwarded messages or remove them entirely. Additionally, custom messages can be added even when forwarding a message that wasn’t originally forwarded.
The custom message feature is expected to become available to more beta testers in the coming weeks. WhatsApp is also testing several other features, including the ability to delete default chat filters, a minimal light theme, reverse image search, and an anti-spam feature.
While the custom message feature is still in testing, users on the stable version of WhatsApp can already utilize features like voice message transcription and custom chat lists.
