WhatsApp may soon allow users to add background colours to status updates

WhatsApp could soon allow users to post colourful text updates, just like Facebook. Currently, the feature is available only to beta users of WhatsApp for Android. Do note that the features spotted in the beta versions don't necessarily make it to the final version. But, considering that it is getting quite popular on Facebook, the coloured text updates will most likely roll out to WhatsApp users as well.

According to AndroidPolice, the feature is available under WhatsApp beta version 2.17.291. To get started, create a new status update. The text status screen now features three options for choosing the font, colour of the background and an emoji.

Facebook's coloured background is also quite similar. To post a status with the background colour, tap on the status update box. Then, tap on the white space that usually has "What's on your mind?" message. Choose the colour background of your choice from the colour palette. Type the text and post. Here's how (on the right) the Facebook's status with background colour will appear on your friends' timeline.

WhatsApp's beta program boasts a string of other interesting features as well, most of which will be rolled out for the end user soon. You can download the app from the APK Mirror. In this case, you can download WhatsApp's latest beta by clicking this link.

Another way is to officially download the app through Google's Play Store beta program. Here's the link for downloading WhatsApp's new beta version - https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.whatsapp

But do remember, while you get your hands on the cool and upcoming features, the beta versions may also be unstable and filled with bugs. "As a tester, you'll receive an update that includes a testing version of the WhatsApp Messenger app. Please note that testing versions may be unstable or have a few bugs," WhatsApp warns.