WhatsApp has been rolling out some back-to-back updates to its instant messaging platform. This year we have seen many features coming to WhatsApp to make it more user-friendly and secure. These include reply privately, Share WhatsApp status on Facebook or Instagram, picture-in-picture Mode, Hide muted status updates, fingerprint lock feature and much more. Here are 5 WhatsApp features that made headlines in 2019. WhatsApp 'Disappearing Mesages' Feature Coming Soon; New Feature Spotted on Latest Android Beta App.

Fingerprint Lock: WhatsApp introduced this feature was introduced to tackle privacy issues faced in the WhatsApp application. The Facebook-owned fingerprint feature was rolled out to protect WhatsApp from breaches. The users can activate this feature by straightaway heading to Settings > Account > Privacy & Tap on Fingerprint Lock Option. After Enabling, the users need to scan the fingerprint sensor for unlocking the WhatsApp Messenger.

Frequently Forwarded: Another exciting feature rolled out to WhatsApp this year was Frequently Forwarded. This feature from Facebook was a step forward to tackle the spread of fake news via its platform, especially WhatsApp. This feature was rolled out on both Android & iOS devices to curb fake news. The frequently forwarded feature help users identify chain messages that are sent for several times. If the message is forwarded frequently to five or more contacts, the users will be notified with a double arrow icon mark.

Group Video Call Or Voice Call: Making WhatsApp group video and voice calls entertaining, WhatsApp introduced this feature that allows the users to add multiple people during video calls or voice calls. It is important to note that the group calling feature is limited to only four users. WhatsApp Dark Mode Feature Rolling Out To Some Users; Everything To Know About WhatsApp's New Feature.

Status Sharing To Facebook & Instagram: Status sharing is another exciting feature that was rolled out to WhatsApp this year. The feature was introduced on both Android & iOS devices. With this feature, the users can cross-post WhatsApp status on Facebook & Instagram. Notably, the status sharing feature on WhatsApp is designed to save users’ time while making individual posts on Instagram & Facebook, making it a time-consuming process.

Group Invitation System: WhatsApp went ahead and revamped Group Invitation feature for tackling previous issues faced by the users related to group invitations. As a reminder, the WhatsApp user previously didn’t have control of who can add them to groups. This feature lets users decide whom they provide power for adding them in specific WhatsApp groups.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 28, 2019 03:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).