WhatsApp has started rolling out WhatsApp Channels across 150 countries globally, after it was announced back in June.Y ou can find now Channels in the new ‘Updates’ tab.
Channels are one-way broadcasts, allowing admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to their followers. WhatsApp said that it is welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow, right within WhatsApp.
Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers. WhatsApp said that it also protects the personal information of both admins and followers.
New updates to WhatsApp channels
- Enhanced Directory – Find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. Also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.
- Reactions – React using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How you react will not be shown to followers.
- Editing – soon, admins will be able to make changes to their Updates for up to 30 days, when we automatically delete them from our servers.
- Forwarding – whenever you forward an Update to chats or groups, it will include a link back to the channel, so people can find out more.
WhatsApp said that it will continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback it gets from users. Over the coming months, WhatsApp will also make it possible for anyone to create a channel.
WhatsApp has also launched the official WhatsApp Channel to get latest updates.