WhatsApp Gets a Telegram-Like Feature: WhatsApp has unveiled an exciting new feature that allows users to see how many members are online in group chats—a functionality long appreciated by Telegram users. This significant upgrade aligns WhatsApp more closely with competitors in the messaging space, emphasizing transparency, engagement, and convenience in group interactions.
The new feature, currently available to beta testers, displays an online members counter at the top of the group chat window. This live metric shows how many participants in the group are currently online and active on WhatsApp. Although WhatsApp already provides message receipts and typing indicators, this added visibility takes real-time interaction to a new level—especially useful for large and active groups.
WhatsApp’s move signals a deliberate shift toward enhanced community experiences. From business teams and student groups to families and hobbyist communities, knowing who is online can significantly improve the effectiveness of communication. The rollout also reflects a growing demand for asynchronous coordination tools that prioritize both visibility and user privacy.
WhatsApp Gets a Telegram-Like Feature
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Name | Online Members Counter in WhatsApp Group Chats |
| Availability | Currently in beta testing; full rollout expected in 2025 |
| Functionality | Displays number of members online in real-time in group chats |
| Privacy Respect | Honors personal settings for online visibility |
| Inspired By | Telegram’s real-time active user display |
| Latest Version Required | WhatsApp Beta via Google Play Store / Apple TestFlight |
| More Info | WhatsApp FAQ |
The introduction of an online members counter in WhatsApp group chats enhances communication, timing, and collaboration for millions of users. While subtle, this real-time feature has deep implications for how we interact, especially in environments where timing is key.
With a focus on user control, privacy, and cross-functional usability, WhatsApp continues to evolve beyond its original role as a personal messenger—becoming an essential hub for professional, educational, and social communication.
To try out this feature, update your app and join the beta program today. As always, stay tuned for further innovations as WhatsApp redefines digital connectivity.
What Is the Online Members Counter on WhatsApp?
The online members counter is a small but powerful addition that appears at the top of any WhatsApp group chat with multiple participants. Instead of guessing who might be online, users can now see a real-time count like “5 members online”, displayed beneath the group name.
This counters Telegram’s long-standing online status feature and elevates WhatsApp’s usability in dynamic group settings. Whether coordinating with remote colleagues or checking who’s around for a spontaneous chat, the counter provides instant insight into the current engagement level of a group.
Why It Matters
Understanding who’s online at any given moment allows users to:
- Send messages when recipients are most likely to respond
- Encourage real-time conversations
- Reduce the need for follow-ups and pings
- Increase engagement in events, polls, and shared activities
- Foster community interaction and connection
How to Access the Online Members Feature
While still in beta, users eager to try this feature can follow these steps:
- Update to Beta Version: Download or update to the latest WhatsApp beta version:
- Google Play Store Beta
- Apple TestFlight
- Open an Active Group Chat:
- Navigate to a group chat
- Look under the group name
- If enabled, you’ll see a line such as “7 members online”
- Understand Participation Metrics:
- Only users currently active (with the app open) are counted
- Users who hide their online status will not appear in the tally
The feature is regionally limited during testing and may not appear on all devices immediately.
Telegram vs WhatsApp: Feature Comparison
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has followed Telegram’s lead. Over the past few years, the two platforms have evolved in parallel:
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Online Members in Groups | Yes | (Beta) |
| Group Size Cap | 200,000+ | 1,024 |
| Message Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Bots & Custom Tools | Yes | No |
| Media Sharing Limit | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Polls & Reactions | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | Optional | Default (End-to-End) |
While Telegram offers more customization and automation, WhatsApp continues to excel in ease-of-use, reliability, and data security.
Real-Life Applications of the Feature
This feature will likely prove beneficial across various demographics and use cases:
Corporate & Remote Work Teams
Better timing for announcements, task assignments, and internal polls when most members are active.
Educators and Student Groups
Teachers can drop assignments, quizzes, and announcements when students are online, increasing the chance of immediate engagement.
Freelancers & Clients
Perfect for freelancers coordinating with clients across time zones. An active online count avoids miscommunication.
Family & Community Groups
Useful for organizing group calls, sharing family updates, or even checking in during emergencies.
Privacy Considerations and User Control
Privacy remains at the heart of WhatsApp’s design, and this new feature is no exception.
Respecting User Settings
- Users who have hidden their online status will not appear in the count
- The count shows only numbers, not names
Managing Online Visibility
To control how and when you appear online:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Last Seen & Online
- Choose from the following:
- Everyone
- My Contacts
- My Contacts Except…
- Nobody
Your setting here will directly affect whether you’re included in group online counters.
This feature also adheres to WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy, ensuring that your data and chat content remain private.
Evolution of WhatsApp Group Features
The introduction of real-time online counters is just the latest in a series of group-oriented improvements:
- 2011: Group chats introduced
- 2016: Member limit increased to 256
- 2021: Multi-device support for web and desktop
- 2022: Groups expanded to 1,024 users
- 2022–23: Admin tools, polls, message reactions, and Communities
- 2024–25: Online activity indicators and chat enhancements (beta)
WhatsApp is clearly committed to making group chats smarter, richer, and more useful, especially in an era of hybrid communication.
Expert Opinion: Why It’s a Smart Move
According to digital strategy consultant Neha Sharma,
“Real-time group engagement is key to modern communication. Whether it’s in classrooms, digital communities, or team-based workspaces, being able to see who’s present boosts responsiveness. WhatsApp’s update is timely and adds real value.”
Market trends support this insight: platforms with higher visibility features tend to have stronger engagement rates, leading to longer chat retention and user satisfaction.
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FAQs On WhatsApp Gets a Telegram-Like Feature
Q1: When will the feature be available to everyone?
A: The rollout is expected to expand in stages throughout 2025.
Q2: Can group admins disable the counter?
A: No. Currently, there’s no admin setting to disable or hide the online counter for the group.
Q3: Can I still appear offline if I want to?
A: Yes. Adjust your privacy settings under “Last Seen & Online.”
Q4: Will this feature be available on WhatsApp Web/Desktop?
A: Likely yes, though initial testing is focused on mobile platforms.
Q5: Does it impact data usage or battery life?
A: Not significantly. The feature is lightweight and does not require additional permissions.
