Signal update adds 'About' status, chat wallpapers, and stickers as messaging app welcomes millions of new users

Signal's latest updates have added much-requested features that have been available on other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. With millions of new users, the privacy-focused app has added the options to add chat wallpapers, an "About" status, and send stickers.

The newest Signal features from the latest updates

Signal was launched the latest among the three most talked about messaging apps over the last month. It is then not surprising that it is only adding some of the features that have been available on WhatsApp and Telegram for a while now.

Since the Signal app launched in 2018, the features it offers were mostly for texting and calling functions only. There is nothing wrong with just having the ability to send messages or make voice and video calls, but millions of new users might not want to miss out on the bells and whistles. Luckily, Signal has been delivering that over the last week.

The latest feature Signal unveiled is the ability to post status updates. To do that, press the profile photo thumbnail (upper left corner) to open Settings, press the profile name and number and choose the "About" menu under the profile name. The About page will open where users can write a customized post or choose from template messages with emojis such as "Speak freely," "Encrypted," "Be kind," "Coffee lover," "Free to chat," "Taking a break," and "Working on something new." Personalized About statuses can also be accompanied with an emoji.

Signal has also added an option to change chat wallpapers. There are more than 20 presets to choose from, but these are merely colored backgrounds. However, users can also pick from the images stored on their device. This is available on the latest versions of Android and iOS apps but not on the desktop version yet.

Sending and receiving messages with stickers are now possible as well. While these new features might not seem too important for the app's early users, it was a smart move to make them available. Adding more features that were available on WhatsApp will make Signal a more convincing alternative.

Signal gains millions of new users following so-called WhatsApp exodus

The Signal app, operated by the same name 501c3 nonprofit organization, has claimed that it "does not sell, rent or monetize your personal data or content in any way – ever." And when WhatsApp made headlines for most of January and ignited worldwide discussions about online privacy and how app developers use the data they collect from users, it was not surprising that Signal's new user count has grown exponentially.

Signal reportedly had 20 million monthly active users as of December 2020, but Business of Apps indicated that number has increased to 40 million last month. Signal downloads and its features are free, but users can send donations.

Featured photo by Adem AY on Unsplash