Unsatisfied WhatsApp Users Demand More as META Lifts Pinning Limit to 3 Messages
META has thrown WhatsApp users a bone and granted the ability to pin up to three important messages in chats, as opposed to one. But WhatsApp users say it’s not enough. Last year, the popular messenger launched the ability to pin a message inside a WhatsApp chat. This means a message is highlighted to everyone in the chat and is easily retrievable even after the conversation has moved on – for a limited time. Users can set a time limit that the message will be pinned for, with a week being the standard amount of time. If WhatsApp-ers want to earmark a message for longer, it’s advised they use the star feature instead.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg yesterday announced that the app would be increasing the number of pins to up to three messages per chat. In groups or even just one-on-one chats, users can pin all types of messages, from a standard text or image to polls and emojis. And in true WhatsApp fashion, messages are still end-to-end encrypted even if they are pinned. Yet, users still aren’t satisfied. “Three isn’t enough, make it five,” one WhatsApp user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Must be 5 at least,” added another. A third person tweeted: “What I love is pinning unlimited messages, not only 3.” “I want to pin without limits,” said a fourth.
How to Pin a Message on WhatsApp
Long press on the message, and select ‘Pin’ from the context menu. A banner will appear to select the duration of the pinned message – 24 hours, seven days, and 30 days. In a group chat, admins have the option to select if all members or only admins can pin a message.
WhatsApp – a Quick History
Here’s what you need to know about WhatsApp:
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum – former employees of Yahoo
- It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
- After a number of tweaks, the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3 billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2 billion users globally