https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/22/16182808/whatsapp-update-status-colored-background-text-facebook

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that lets users write status updates with a colorful background, reports VentureBeat. It’s pretty much identical to a feature on Facebook, and also allows users to add a link and choose a font for their statuses. Previously, you could only use photos and videos as a background.

Facebook began adding the colored-background statuses in December 2016. While garish at times, the feature was supposed to increase engagement among users. WhatsApp started testing the feature earlier this month before releasing it to all users today. The statuses disappear after 24 hours and can be added to WhatsApp’s stories feature — copied from Snapchat, and now available on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.