WhatsApp has officially announced WhatsApp Channels for all users. Mark Zuckerberg has announced this new feature via the Meta Instagram channel and WhatsApp blog.
WhatsApp Channels are a “simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations.”
WhatsApp also calls it a one-way broadcast tool where admins can share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. WhatsApp is also building a searchable directory where users can find the channels they want to follow. Users can join the channels by invite links, much like WhatsApp groups. Admins can make the group discoverable in the search directory or not.
A new tab called Updates will be added in WhatsApp, which brings WhatsApp Status and Channels under a single window. The WhatsApp status, which was previously laid out in a list form, will be turned to be more like Stories of Instagram and Facebook. Below the Status, you will get the list of various channels you are subscribed to.
WhatsApp Channels will be private and personal information such as the phone number of admins or followers won’t be visible. If you join a channel on WhatsApp, the Channel admin will not see your phone number, nor can you see the admin’s number.
WhatsApp has mentioned that the updates posted in a channel will be available for 30 days; after that, those will disappear. Admins will have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channels.
WhatsApp mentioned that the Channels will be available for select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, and support for the feature will be available in more countries soon.