WhatsApp updated with virtual SHOPS – how to find Facebook’s bizarre new feature

A HUGE WhatsApp update is adding shops into the app.

The Facebook-led change means that you’ll now be able to search for and buy items in the chat app.

WhatsApp Shops will let you find and buy products[/caption]

WhatsApp launched as a messaging app way back in 2009.

But it was eventually bought by Facebook in 2014, and has been steadily upgraded with extra features ever since.

The latest is Shops, which lets businesses offer up virtual storefronts in the app.

It’s not a huge surprise, given that sister apps Facebook and Instagram both already have shopping functionality.

WhatsApp has changed dramatically in recent years[/caption]

Anyone with a business can set up a Shop in WhatsApp.

WhatsApp users will be able to check out items, and buy products that they like.

And because it’s in WhatsApp, you’ll also be able to chat with sellers about the products too.

The change was announced by Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg in a blog post.

“Soon you’ll be able to view a Shop in WhatsApp so you can chat with a business before buying something,” Zuckerberg explained.

“Businesses only need to set up their shop once to have it work across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.”

Here’s what you need to know…

WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum – former employees of Yahoo
It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally

It means that anyone who has already created an Instagram Shop will be able to instantly get it working on WhatsApp.

So there should be no shortage of WhatsApp Shops available at launch.

Facebook says that Shops is rolling out to WhatsApp soon, although it’s likely to be limited to the US initially.

Once you get the update, you’ll be able to easily access a Shop by tapping on a business’s WhatsApp in-app.

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

In other news, check out these amazing secret WhatsApp tricks.

Twitch live-streamers Amouranth and Indiefoxx have been banned from the platform after sharing microphone licking videos.

Apple users have been urged to consider deleting Google Maps after a report highlighted how much personal data the app collects.

And, China is claiming to be a world leader in 6G technology, according to reports.

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