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WhatsApp on the way to cross-platform via Accounts Center#

January 24, 2025

Preview

WhatsApp, as one of the most popular instant messengers, is constantly developing and acquiring new features. The latest update presented by Meta indicates a shift in the company's interests towards cross-platform products. For these purposes, Accounts Center was added, which is necessary for managing WhatsApp interactions with Facebook and Instagram. Accounts Center is already available in the WhatsApp beta update for Android 2.25.2.9.

Contents:

First thoughts on integration
Accounts Center as a new level of integration
Accounts Center Features for WhatsApp
Is Accounts Center mandatory?
Updates and notifications
Prospects for the development of cross-platform WhatsApp
Conclusion

First thoughts on integration#

Initially, as revealed in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android 2.23.25.20, WhatsApp and Instagram integration was planned, allowing the sharing of WhatsApp status updates in Instagram stories. This feature would have been added to the “Status” section of WhatsApp, and would have allowed users to interact with the audience on both platforms of the company at the same time.

Accounts Center as a new level of integration#

However, Meta’s plans went further, and the company decided on a larger and more ambitious project, allocating a separate Accounts Center for cross-platform interactions. Now it becomes a single center for managing the integration of WhatsApp with Facebook and Instagram. Accounts Center gives users more control over the exchange of content and speeds up work on different platforms. The function is located in the application settings.

Image with Accounts Center in settings

Accounts Center Features for WhatsApp#

  • Cross-posting controls. Users can enable or disable the cross-posting feature for WhatsApp status updates to Instagram Stories or Facebook. This allows them to choose which platforms to share content on.

  • Single sign-on across all Meta products. Accounts Center has also added single sign-on functionality across Meta apps. This is designed to make it easier to sign in when using multiple apps.

  • Content sharing settings. Users can manage their content sharing settings directly in Accounts Center. This allows them to choose which platforms to connect to and customize what content to post on each.

  • Security and privacy. Users’ personal data will remain secure because end-to-end encryption will continue to protect private messages and calls on WhatsApp, and even Meta will have access to them.

  • Manage additional features. Accounts Center will also add tools to manage avatars, Meta AI stickers, and other elements like Imagine Me.

Is Accounts Center mandatory?#

Meta notes that WhatsApp integration into Accounts Center is not a mandatory feature. In fact, it will be disabled by default, and users will be able to choose whether to enable it or not. Giving users the choice to activate the new feature will allow many customers to use WhatsApp in a way that suits them best.

Updates and notifications#

As WhatsApp rolls out and updates Accounts Center, users will receive notifications with detailed explanations of how the new feature works. These tips will help them understand how Accounts Center works so that they can make an informed choice about whether they want the feature or not.

Prospects for the development of cross-platform WhatsApp#

Integration of WhatsApp into Accounts Center should be only the first step towards closer integration of applications from Meta. The company's next plans include adding new cross-platform features aimed at more flexible and convenient interaction and content sharing with friends and family on different platforms. At the same time, the company guarantees the safety of personal data.

Conclusion#

Adding Accounts Center to WhatsApp is a step towards the cross-platform nature of Meta products. This feature will give users more control over interaction with various platforms of the company. At the same time, the feature is already available in the WhatsApp beta update for Android 2.25.2.9 and is not mandatory for use. In the future, we can expect new cross-platform solutions from Meta that will make using WhatsApp more convenient and flexible.