Users may now search, chat, and purchase items on WhatsApp Business.

WhatsApp, a Meta-owned instant messaging software, has added yet another new feature for users with Business profiles. This feature will allow users to search for companies on the network, interact with them, and even shop for things. With this update, WhatsApp Business users will be able to browse businesses by category — such as banking or travel — or search for them by name. However, it is currently only available in a few countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

According to a blog post shared on the online page, the new feature will allow users on the Business profile to easily contact businesses using the messaging app rather than saving phone numbers into contacts or searching for details on business websites. The ability to search for a business is currently being rolled out to Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. WhatsApp Business Platform allows users in these countries to find contact information for other businesses.

Furthermore, instead of visiting a website, customers would be able to buy immediately through WhatsApp. The instant messaging platform has partnered with numerous payment partners to allow users to purchase things straight from the app. The functionality functions similarly to the JioMart Shopping experience, which was launched in India a few months ago. It is now being expanded to include other countries. According to WhatsApp, the function is secure and will protect users' privacy.

People will also be able to make safe payments directly from a conversation using their credit or debit card information. "This seamless checkout experience will be a game changer for consumers and companies wishing to purchase and sell on WhatsApp without having to visit a website, open another app, or pay in person," the company stated.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp already introduced Polls and 'Communities' for group discussions on both the Android and iOS platforms. WhatsApp Polls, like other app features, will be safeguarded by end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp has also included one-tap video calling for up to 32 people and quadrupled the group participant capacity.