Recommended Contacts on WhatsApp: Is the Feature Necessary?

April 9, 2024, 9:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes

WhatsApp is constantly testing new features for its messenger. Many improve the service–but some do not. Currently, there’s a feature in beta that has met with little enthusiasm from the TECHBOOK editorial team.

Whether social networks or messenger apps–both aim to connect people. WhatsApp, with 2 billion users worldwide, is the most popular messenger. The company is part of Meta, which also owns the prominent platforms Facebook and Instagram. Both networks have long suggested potential new contacts. This concept now seems to be adapted in a modified form under the name “Recommended Contacts” for WhatsApp. But how is this supposed to work–and is such a feature even necessary?

Recommended Contacts–New WhatsApp Feature in Beta Test

Like other providers, WhatsApp regularly tests new features in its beta version. Those who want to participate in the test program must register accordingly and (for iOS) download an app. We also explain the individual steps in the video:

The site WABetaInfo extensively lists the innovations in WhatsApp’s beta versions. The “Recommended Contacts” feature has now appeared in version 2.23.9.5 for Android and version 24.8.10.70 for iOS WhatsApp testers. According to the website, WhatsApp has previously worked on a similar feature. The provider seems serious about this function.

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What “Recommended Contacts” Look Like on WhatsApp

According to WABetaInfo, the feature aims to initiate new conversations and revive old contacts. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, completely new contacts are not suggested. Instead, existing WhatsApp contacts with whom you haven’t interacted are recommended. Anything else would likely pose privacy issues, as a WhatsApp account is linked to a phone number.

“Recommended Contacts” is currently available as a test feature for Android users.

iOS users can also test the feature.

In the test version, a section called “Start chatting” is found among the regular WhatsApp chats. Contacts from your address book with whom you’ve never chatted on WhatsApp are listed there. A significant part of the “Recommended Contacts” feature is that such suggestions are also made to first-time app users. This is intended to make setting up the service easier. The new section is also separate from existing contacts to avoid disrupting the order of chats.

Is Such a Feature Necessary?

It is unknown if and when the “Recommended Contacts” feature will actually come to WhatsApp. However, the renewed test suggests that WhatsApp is seemingly planning firmly with the feature.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.