Soon, you will get 'Advanced Search' features on WhatsApp
In a bid to enhance user experience, WhatsApp has started testing 'Advanced Search' capabilities on its iOS app. The feature, first unearthed by WABetaInfo, has been designed to look up media files in specific chats. It is not yet available for everyone but can prove handy, especially for people who share a lot of media files over the platform. Here's how it works.
Search audio, video, and more
WhatsApp already has a 'Search' option which can be used to enter text and search for particular messages in different chat threads. But, now, the messaging platform is expanding the capabilities of this option to enable media searching. Basically, when you use this option, WhatsApp will let you filter messages on the basis of media like photos, GIFs, videos, links or audio messages.
How to use this feature
Once you receive this feature, you'll be able to use it by hitting the same 'Search' button. Simply put, as you tap on search, WhatsApp will list media file categories - photos, GIFs, videos, links, audio, documents - to filter the chats. When you select a category, say like photos, the app will list all the messages carrying a photo with a small preview.
Same would be the case for other categories
Just like this, the feature will let you search through other file categories as well, including videos and audio messages. Do note here that the same search screen also shows a list of recent searches with an option to clear it easily.
When this feature will roll out?
Having said that, it's worth noting that WhatsApp's Advanced Search capabilities still appear to be in development stage. As per WABetaInfo, which has a good track record for tipping WhatsApp features, the new option would show up in a future iOS beta update. Even Android beta users may see it soon, but there is no timeline for a stable public release.
This marks another handy feature for WhatsApp
Advanced Search marks another handy feature WhatsApp will introduce soon. Notably, the platform recently received sticker support, PiP mode, private replies for group chats and is also on track to get a dark mode and advanced group invitation controls.
