WhatsApp adding the ability to order directly from businesses via the app

WhatsApp is working on a feature permitting the creation of orders within chats with customers, reports WABetaInfo. Business account users may soon encounter an ‘Orders’ chat shortcut in WhatsApp.

The still-in-the-works feature is limited to business accounts taking part in the WhatsApp Desktop beta. It will expand to WhatsApp’s Android and iOS betas in due time. After that, it may or may not roll out into general use.

Create Order

The shortcut for “Create Order” will be available in the Chat section. The new ‘Create Order’ section pops up when users tap on the shortcut, allowing them to add items to their order. It will allow businesses to add to a shopping cart, like on any e-commerce service, automatically calculating the subtotal and, possibly, sending the order through.

The Order feature is a business tool, so regular users will only encounter it when it’s more widely released. As the feature is under development, its release date is still unknown.

Read more: WhatsApp makes group call and privacy changes in latest update

Advertise on Facebook

WhatsApp is also gradually rolling out a feature to let businesses track their ads under a new tab called ‘Advertise on Facebook’.

According to WABetaInfo, businesses can view a list of ads configured for the ‘Click to WhatsApp’ section and track it on Facebook. A future update will provide the ability to track ads within WhatsApp itself. Without ever having to even open Facebook, the analytics will be on hand.

The release of this feature is also unknown. Knowing Meta’s fondness for data, it probably won’t be too long.