WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a striking change to how users display their identity within the app: the ability to set up two different profile picturesIt's not a revolution in the messaging service, but it is a new feature that may appeal to those who want to personalize their account a bit more.
According to information provided by specialized sources such as WABetaInfo, Meta is testing a second profile picture in banner formatThis complements the classic circular photo we see in chats. The idea is to provide more visual space to tell our story, without leaving the app's environment.
What will the two profile pictures look like on WhatsApp?
The new feature does not copy the Telegram model, where one can create a profile image gallery to alternate. Instead, WhatsApp takes an approach more similar to that of X (formerly Twitter) or the cover photos of networks like Facebook or LinkedIn, adding a header image at the top of the profile.
La The main photo will remain the same as always.A circular portrait that appears in conversations, notifications, and the chat list. It's the image most people associate with the contact, and its function and position remain unchanged.
The second photo will behave like a horizontal banner that occupies the entire width of the screen When someone views the full profile, this cover photo appears just above the circular photo, creating a composition very similar to that of a traditional social media profile.
With this additional space, users will be able to show landscapes, hobbies, pets, family, or special moments that might not fit well in a circular crop or that they prefer not to use as the main image. Ultimately, it's an area designed to provide more visual context at a glance.
Some preliminary developments also suggest that this secondary image may respect the profile privacy settingsso that the user maintains control over who sees that cover, in line with the settings already known in the app.
Configuration and requirements for the new banner-type image
Implementing this feature will, in principle, be quite simple. Within the profile section, A new edit button will appear which will allow you to add or modify the header image without technical complications.
Pressing that button will open a small interface for WhatsApp choose a photo from the gallery and crop it to the appropriate size. The application will include a specific tool to adjust the image to the necessary format, similar to what already happens with the profile picture, but adapted to the new rectangular space.
This new space is intended for images horizontal and rather narrowTherefore, not all photos will look good without retouching. Anyone wanting a polished result will have to choose an image that fits a banner-style format, making sure that important elements are not left out of the frame.
The function will be completely optional for usersThose who do not wish to include an additional cover photo can continue using a single profile picture, without losing any other app features or having their daily user experience modified.
If you do not configure a second image, The top part of the profile will be displayed with a neutral background.Maintaining a clean and discreet appearance. In this way, the new look won't be intrusive for those who prefer more understated or minimalist styles.
One more step towards a more “social” WhatsApp profile
The addition of a second profile picture doesn't come out of nowhere: it's part of the Meta's strategy to bring WhatsApp closer to the realm of social networks, both in the interface design and in the way users present themselves and interact within the platform.
In recent years, the messaging app has been adding more visual and expressive optionssuch as avatars, status updates, aesthetic adjustments in chats, and new ways to share content. The profile cover fits into this trend, reinforcing the more personal and less "purely utilitarian" side of the tool.
Although WhatsApp continues to focus on private communication, these types of features aim to increase the time spent on the app It already offers an environment where contacts can learn more about each other simply by visiting a profile, without needing to start a conversation.
From the users' point of view, this new feature brings more freedom to build a digital identity within WhatsApp similar to what they already show on other Meta platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, but without giving up the simplicity that characterizes the service.
The move also fits into a general trend in the sector: many messaging apps are introducing elements specific to social networks to differentiate themselves from the competition and prevent users from switching to other apps when they want to express themselves more visually.
Availability, beta testing, and expected timelines
At this moment, the function of Adding a second profile picture is currently in testing within the beta versions of WhatsApp. This means that the code already includes the new banner, but access to it is limited to a small group of users participating in the testing program.
Meta has not yet made a statement an official date for the global launchHowever, the fact that the tool already appears in preliminary builds suggests that the rollout could come in the next few weeks or months, provided that the technical and usability tests are satisfactory.
As is usually the case, the update will likely be rolled out gradually. arriving first in certain territories or platforms (Android or iOS) and then extending to the rest of the users depending on the results obtained in this first phase.
During the testing period, the company typically analyzes aspects such as impact on app performance, the ease of use of the new interface and the general response of those who use it, adjusting design details or behavior before enabling it worldwide.
Until that process is complete, most users in Spain and the rest of Europe will continue to see the Traditional profile with a single photoHowever, everything indicates that the change will not take too long to arrive if no major problems are detected.
With this move, WhatsApp reinforces its commitment to a more visual, flexible, and customizable profile, combining the Classic circular photo with a horizontal banner This expands the ways users can express themselves within the app. The feature will be optional, easy to set up, and will maintain privacy control, so each user can decide whether they want to give their account a more social feel or keep its usual appearance.
