WhatsApp has introduced a message editing feature for its Communities, catering to administrators and creators. This addition was first noted in the WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.23.18.16. The rollout, however, has been gradual and not universally accessible across devices. Similar to private and group conversations, edited messages in Communities will be labeled as “edited.”
Despite being a prominent messaging platform, WhatsApp lagged in implementing message editing, compared to its rival Telegram. The feature was integrated into WhatsApp in May, but its integration into Communities has taken some time. WABetaInfo has reported that the feature is available through WhatsApp beta for Android v2.23.18.16, distributed via the Play Store and APKMirror.
For Communities, message editing is restricted to community administrators and creators, ensuring accurate information dissemination. Accessing this feature involves long-pressing a message and selecting the three-dot icon, which leads to an Edit button. Edited messages are visibly marked in the text, and a 15-minute editing window is in place.
Communities was introduced in November following an April 2022 announcement. It simplifies group interaction by aggregating all groups in one user-friendly location. Admins and creators possess full control over content visibility within these groups.
Incorporating message editing to Communities aligns WhatsApp more closely with its competitors and enhances the user experience by preventing incorrect information from spreading inadvertently. While the feature’s rollout has been gradual, its introduction underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to refining its offerings.
