WhatsApp is testing a new ‘group-member tags’ feature on Android that lets users add custom labels next to their names, making it easier to identify roles in busy chats.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp is testing custom member tags for groups on Android beta.
- Users can add 30-character labels like ‘Coach’ or ‘Project Manager’.
- Tags are optional, member-controlled, and group-specific.
- The feature aims to reduce confusion in large communities and work groups.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.42. Users can assign tags up to 30 characters long within specific groups.
These labels help others quickly identify a member’s role, responsibility, or even personality. Examples include ‘Coach’, ‘Project Manager’, or ‘Moderator’.
User-Controlled and Flexible
Unlike display names, these tags are entirely optional and controlled by individual members, not group admins. This adds context without creating hierarchy.
Users can create, edit, or delete their tags at any time. The 30-character limit excludes special symbols, links, or checkmarks to maintain clarity and prevent impersonation.
Group-Specific and Persistent
Each tag is unique to the group where it’s created. Your ‘Project Manager’ label in a work chat won’t appear in a family group.
Tags remain visible even if you switch devices or reinstall WhatsApp, as long as you use the same account.
How to Add a Tag
Adding a tag is simple and requires no admin rights:
- Open the WhatsApp group chat.
- Go to Group Info.
- Tap on your name in the members’ list.
- Select the option to add or edit your tag.
- Enter your preferred label (e.g., ‘Designer’, ‘Captain’) and save.
The tag appears instantly next to your name for all group members.
Availability and Future Rollout
Currently, the feature is exclusive to Android beta testers. WhatsApp typically rolls out new features in phases, so a wider Android and eventual iOS release is expected soon.
This update is part of WhatsApp’s broader effort to improve group communication, following recent additions like Communities and enhanced Admin Controls. For users in multiple active groups, these small labels could significantly improve chat clarity.
