WhatsApp member tag: How to add a cool label next to your name

WhatsApp is officially testing a new feature that lets you slap a custom tag next to your name in group chats. The update was spotted by the folks over at WABetaInfo in the latest Android beta version 2.25.17.42.

You know how group chats can get too large for you to keep track of who’s who. That is basically what this solves. The update lets you type out a little description up to 30 characters long to explain your role in the group in that specific thread.

Assign yourself a role in the group

The group tags show up in two different spots. You will see them right next to a name in the participant list and also inside the actual message bubbles when someone chats.

One big perk is that it is totally group-specific. You could be “Project Manager” in your work chat and then switch it up to something silly in your local run club group – without the tags bleeding over into each other.

The cool part is that admins actually do not control this setting. You have full power to set your own tag and describe your own role. The only criteria for the group tags is that it has to be text alone. You cannot use special characters or drop links in these tags.

How to use

The first criteria is that you have to be a part of the beta programme on Android, at least until WhatsApp rolls the feature out widely. If you are on it:

1. Open a group chat and tap group info
2. Scroll to the participants section, where you should see your profile pic labeled “You”
3. Hit the “Add tag” button
4. Type in a tag no longer than 30 characters

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Of course, group tags stay there even if you switch devices or have to reinstall the app. You may not see the feature since the rollout is gradual and is only for people in the WhatsApp beta programme on Android. Again, if you are on that version, just check if the feature has shown up using the steps above.