Finally, the long-anticipated WhatsApp new feature, Channels, has been rolled out.
Via its official Twitter page, WhatsApp announced, “Channels is now rolling out for you. Find, share and follow Channels that interest you!”
To use this feature, first, update your WhatsApp via Play Store. Channels is accessible through a dedicated tab called Updates.
According to the firm, the feature will allow admins to send one-way broadcasts of various content to their followers, such as text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.
“To help users find relevant Channels to follow, WhatsApp is developing a searchable directory based on interests, hobbies, sports teams, and local announcements,” WhatsApp noted.
Privacy is a priority for Channels, with admins’ personal information remaining hidden from followers.
It is worth noting that following a Channel will not reveal the user’s phone number either.
“Channel updates will not be stored indefinitely, and admins can control their Channel’s accessibility and visibility, including blocking screenshots and forwards.”
Channels initially launched in Colombia and Singapore, but it is now spreading worldwide. Exciting news is that feature accessibility has expanded to Kenya, Egypt, Chile, Malaysia, Morocco, Ukraine, and Peru; now totaling nine countries.
According to the social media firm, WhatsApp may explore end-to-end encryption for limited-audience Channels in the future.
Monetization options for admins and promotion of certain Channels in the directory are being considered.
WhatsApp emphasizes that private messaging remains its core focus, but Channels address long-standing user demands for a broadcasting tool.