WhatsApp has announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 countries with updated features.
Channels, a one-way broadcast tool within the app, gives users a private way to receive updates that matter the most to them. They are welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists and leaders that people can follow right within WhatsApp.
WhatsApp announced this exciting new development a blog post: “Our goal is to build the most private broadcast service available. Channels are separate from your chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers. We also protect the personal information of both admins and followers.”
As Channels is expanded globally, WhatsApp has introduced the following updates:
- Enhanced Directory – you can now find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. You can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.
- Reactions – you can 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.
How do you access WhatsApp Channels?
- Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp.
- Once you click on the icon, select “Create channel” and proceed by clicking “Continue”.
- Complete the channel setup by providing a channel name which you can change later if required.
- Customize your channel by adding a description and icon; you have the option of doing this immediately or in due time.
- Once this process is complete, click “Create channel” and get started on your journey.
WhatsApp’s partners include the Indian Cricket team, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh, Vijay Deverakonda, and Neha Kakkar, among others, many of whom have released statements on the same.
Katrina Kaif said: I am delighted to collaborate with WhatsApp for the launch of WhatsApp Channels. This platform provides me with an exciting opportunity to connect with those who are interested in various aspects of my life, be it my work in the film industry or my ventures in the business world, all of which I am deeply passionate about. WhatsApp Channels serves as a personalized newsletter through which I can share insights and updates with my dedicated audience, fans, and all those who have consistently shown their support throughout my journey.”
BCCI has also commented on Channels: “The Indian Cricket Team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news around match schedules, timings, scorecards etc. Get on WhatsApp channels and never miss out on updates from on and off the field.”
