WhatsApp in 2021: COVID-19 resources, digital payments, and everything else you used WhatsApp for

WhatsApp along with the instant messaging feature added several user-friendly services from connecting users to Covid-19 resources to digital payments in 2021.

WhatsApp introduced multiple features to enhance users’ experience in 2021. (Pixabay)

Image Caption: WhatsApp introduced multiple features to enhance users' experience in 2021.

WhatsApp recently issued a year-end review of 2021 to provide a look at the features and services launched this year in India. The instant messaging app has added several features from providing Covid-19 resources to introducing the WhatsApp payment method. The app was used by various state governments and civic bodies to provide COVID-19 related information and resources across the country. It also enabled users to book COVID-19 vaccines along with essential services. The app also enabled the ‘View Once' feature for media content and encrypted backups for an enhanced user experience this year. Here are all the features launched by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp feature to help fight against COVID-19

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, central as well as state governments launched dedicated COVID-19 helplines on WhatsApp enabling users to access resources and book vaccinations slots. The central government partnered with the instant messaging app owned by Meta (previously known as Facebook) to introduce the MyGov Corona Helpdesk. The app claimed that over 55 million people have so far reached out to the MyGov Corona Helpdesk bot while over 12 million vaccine certificates have been downloaded to date.

WhatsApp view once feature and default disappearing mode

In 2021, WhatsApp introduced features including View Once and Default Disappearing Mode to provide additional privacy to users. These features also come with multiple durations that users can fix accordingly.

WhatsApp payments updates in 2021

WhatsApp payments also received a list of updates including the new payment shortcut available for both Android as well as iOS. It also has Stickers in Pay Mode and cashback attracts more and more users. The Camera icon on WhatsApp can be used to scan QR codes to make payments at QR-enabled stores.

WhatsApp for Business updates

WhatsApp recently announced its partnership with Uber to allow users to book their cabs through the official Uber chatbot. Additionally, Bharat Petroleum too utilised WhatsApp Business to launch its chatbot called Urja for self-service experiences for B2C and B2B use-cases. Indian Oil Corporation is using the WhatsApp API platform for gas bookings, booking status checks, and loyalty points updates.

Apart from all these, WhatsApp brought features including Desktop Calling, Archive 2.0, Joinable group calls, and Cross-platform migration for an upgraded user experience. The app also introduces new sticker packs, a Media web editor on the Web, and stickers in status.