WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is set to revolutionize the way users receive updates from their favourite people and organizations. The company announced today that it is expanding its “Channels” feature, initially introduced in Colombia and Singapore, to users in more than 150 countries over the next few weeks. This expansion marks a significant step towards enhancing one-to-many communication and privacy for users across the globe.
Channels on WhatsApp provide a private space for users to receive updates from individuals and organizations they follow. These channels will now be available to users worldwide, allowing them to stay informed about their interests without compromising their privacy.
Notably, the feature comes with strict privacy controls. Users can follow channels without others being able to see their choices. Additionally, personal information like phone numbers remains hidden from both admins and followers, ensuring a secure and private experience.
Mark Zuckerberg himself announced the rollout of WhatsApp Channels and established his own channel to share Meta news and updates. In his words, “Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organizations you follow.”
WhatsApp Channels offer more than just one-way communication. Users can now interact with their favourite channels by reacting with emojis, fostering engagement and interactivity. The total count of reactions is displayed under each message, providing valuable feedback to channel admins.
With this global launch, WhatsApp has also improved the directory for discovering channels based on your country. Users can sort the channel list by new, most active, and most popular, making it easier to find content that interests them.
Admins on WhatsApp Channels now have the ability to edit messages for up to 30 days, enhancing the ability to correct mistakes or update information. For individual or group messages, users have a 15-minute window to make edits, ensuring accurate and relevant communication.
When users forward an update from a channel to a group or an individual, it will include a link back to the channel, allowing for seamless sharing of valuable content.
WhatsApp revealed that with the global launch, several notable individuals and organizations are joining the platform. Some of the featured channels include those of popular figures like Olivia Rodrigo and David Guetta, as well as reputable sources like Billboard and MLB. Notably, Mark Zuckerberg has established his own channel to share Meta-related news and updates.
While the exact number of channels was not disclosed, WhatsApp noted that there are now “thousands” of them, covering a wide range of topics and interests. WhatsApp itself also maintains a channel to communicate about the app’s features and updates.
Currently, the ability to create a channel is restricted to select individuals and organizations. However, Meta has plans to eventually open channel creation to all users, allowing anyone to share their content and updates privately with their followers.
WhatsApp’s expansion of the Channels feature reflects a commitment to providing users with a secure, interactive, and private way to stay connected with their favourite individuals and organizations. As this feature reaches users across the globe, it is poised to become a powerful tool for information dissemination and communication.
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