Group messages are a fundamental part of any messaging app. For each chat thread, you have on Facebook Messenger, Snapchat or WhatsApp, you probably have at least one private thread where you have an auxiliary conversation to accompany you. To make these private conversations easier, WhatsApp has a function that allows you to reply privately to group messages.
It works like this.
Reply privately to group messages on WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp and go to a group thread.
- Tap and hold a message in the thread. A bar will appear that lists some options, one of which is “more”. Tap on it.
The bar will show additional options, one of which is Reply in private. Tap and you can respond to the person who sent the message in your private discussion. When you do, the original message will automatically be added to the message you are sending in the same way as when you reply or forward a message on WhatsApp.
Needless to say, private responses are subject to the person who sent them. You can also reply privately to a group message but only to the person who you’re replying to. If you want to change the recipient, you will need to use the forwarding feature.
WhatsApp has copy/paste like any other app, so it wasn’t exactly impossible to have a private chat on something said in a group thread. The forwarding option is also viable, but this feature simplifies private conversations. For many people, WhatsApp is not just a tool for casual conversations with friends and family. The app is so popular that it is often used as an unofficial workplace communication tool.
Features like this make it more useful, especially considering how messaging platforms geared to real productivity have lagged behind.
Skype is slowly becoming a social platform and even Slack is annoyed if all they do is share reaction GIFs. Both apps have incredible potential, as well as the user base needed to improve communication in the workplace, but they do not always add the right number of features.
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It is important to mention that this is a somewhat new feature in WhatsApp. It is available on both iOS and Android and it is possible that something similar to Facebook Messenger may be added at the end, as both he and WhatsApp are owned by Facebook.
