Highlights
- WhatsApp channels have been rolled out in India and over 150 other countries.
- It offers users a new way to stay informed about important people and organizations.
- You can create, join and use WhatsApp channels on both Android and iOS platforms to make the most of this feature.
Meta has revealed WhatsApp channels in more than 150 countries, including India. This feature is positioned as a discreet method for users to receive important updates. The announcement came directly from Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp channels function independently of regular chats and the people you choose remain hidden from other followers.
Moreover, the instant messaging application ensures the protection of the personal information of both administrators and followers.
Zuckerberg said: “I’m excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp channels, a new private way to get updates from the people and organizations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. I look forward to connecting with you all around the world.”
What is WhatsApp channel?
The latest WhatsApp update brings a innovative feature so you can stay informed about people and organizations that matter to you, all conveniently through the app.
This feature is aptly named “WhatsApp Channels,” serves as a unidirectional broadcast tool and provides updates through a special tab called “Updates.” These updates remain separate from your regular chats with family, friends and community groups.
While the new development was announced, WhatsApp’s official blog named, “Channels are a one-way tool that allows administrators to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.
To help you select channels to follow, we’ve put together a searchable directory where you can find your hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and more. You can also join a channel via invite links posted in chats, emails, or online.”
How do you create, participate and use WhatsApp channels?
The most crucial step is to ensure that your WhatsApp application is updated to the last version. The WhatsApp channel feature is accessible to both Android And iOS users.
Once updated, channels can be found in a newly created tab known as “Updates.” This tab allows users to discover status updates as well as the channels they want to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Launch WhatsApp and select the ‘Updates’ tab.
- Scroll down to find the ‘Channels’ section. Click “Search Channels” to open a list of available channels for you to follow.
- To follow a particular channel, simply tap the ‘+’ next to the channel name.
- If you want to view the channel’s profile and description, you can do so simply by tapping the channel’s name.
- To respond to a channel update, press and hold the message.
As an administrator, you can also create a channel with your existing WhatsApp account or a new account. You can also edit your updates for up to 30 days when they are automatically deleted WhatsApp servers.
This is how you can create a WhatsApp channel:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Channels by clicking on Updates and scrolling down.
- Click on the “+” icon to create a channel.
- Click Continue and proceed according to the on-screen instructions.
- Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
The primary goal of WhatsApp with Channels is to set up the most secure broadcasting service possible. Celebrities in particular love Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, Vijay Deverakonda, Diljit Dosanjh, Neha Kakkarand many others have already launched their own WhatsApp channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do WhatsApp channels work?
Answer. The instant messenger’s latest feature allows users to receive instant updates from anyone who creates a channel. WhatsApp has launched Channels, a new feature that allows users to follow celebrities, brands and anyone else they want for updates straight from them.
Question 2. What is the privacy policy of WhatsApp channels?
Answer. Administrators of the channels you follow won’t be able to see your full phone number unless they’ve saved you as a contact. Channels are optional and kept in a separate tab from your chats. As always, your personal messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted. No one else, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
Q3. Can anyone create a WhatsApp channel?
Answer. WhatsApp channels are available in a limited number of countries and to a limited number of administrators for now, and may not be available to you yet. Sign up for the waiting list and receive a notification when it is ready for you. Create a channel to share updates and connect with your followers directly via WhatsApp.
Q4. Are there any costs associated with WhatsApp channels?
Answer. No, WhatsApp channels are completely free to use. WhatsApp can be downloaded for free as a messaging app from the App Store or Play Store and works via your phone’s internet connection. There are no additional costs for WhatsApp channels, a new feature within the app.
Question 5. What benefits do WhatsApp channels offer?
Answer. WhatsApp channels give users the benefit of discovering channels tailored to their interests and geographic location, simplifying access to diverse information across different domains. Many renowned individuals and channels have already set up their broadcast channels to spread information and multimedia content, increasing the information diversity of the platform.