WhatsApp has globally launched its new Channels feature, including in India, enabling one-way broadcasting communication to groups. With WhatsApp Channels, users can now connect with audiences in a private and organized manner for updates from businesses, content creators, and more.
This article provides an overview of how WhatsApp Channels work, its key features, and a step-by-step process to create channels on WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp Channels?
WhatsApp Channels are a new way to broadcast publicly while maintaining user privacy on the platform. They operate similar to how Broadcast Lists work on messaging apps like Telegram.
Channels allow sending one-way messages to groups of followers who subscribe to receive updates. Administrators of channels can share text, photos, videos, and other content with subscribers in a structured manner.
The key benefit of these Channels is enabling public figures, businesses, and content creators to reach their audience directly while protecting privacy.
Also Read: WhatsApp Launches 7 New Features in 2023
How WhatsApp Channels Safeguard Privacy
WhatsApp has built privacy protections into Channels to maintain confidentiality:
- Followers remain anonymous to other subscribers and can only be seen by admins.
- The phone numbers of users who subscribe are not revealed to prevent misuse.
- Channels operate separately from private conversations.
- Admins can control forwarding and screenshots.
By default, WhatsApp Channels are not end-to-end encrypted given their broadcasting nature. Overall, Channels aim to balance reach with privacy.
New Updates Tab for Accessing WhatsApp Channels
On WhatsApp, a new dedicated Updates tab has been introduced housing Channels and Status. Users can discover and subscribe to Channels of their interest via this tab, keeping them separate from private chats.
Additionally, channels can be accessed via invite links shared in messages, emails, or online posts. These links make it easy to join interesting Channels being broadcast on WhatsApp.
Features of WhatsApp Channels
Along with the global rollout, WhatsApp has introduced new capabilities to enhance Channels:
Directory: Users can browse recommended Channels filtered by country, recency, popularity, etc. This improves the discoverability of relevant Channels based on user preferences and activity.
Reactions: Followers can react to channel updates through emojis and admins can view aggregated feedback. However, the identities of individual reactors are not shown.
Editing: Admins will be able to edit sent messages for up to 30 days before automated deletion from WhatsApp servers.
Forwarding: If updates are forwarded by admin to chats, the Channel link will be included to help users subscribe.
How to Create a WhatsApp Channel?
Follow these simple steps to create your own WhatsApp Channel:
On WhatsApp Web:
- Click on the Updates Tab and find the Create Channel option.
- Add channel name, description, and icon image as needed.
- Click Create Channel to complete the setup.
On WhatsApp Mobile App:
- Go to the Updates Tab and tap on the (+) icon.
- Choose a New Channel and hit Get Started.
- Enter the channel name and optional details like icon, description, etc.
- Finally, tap Create Channel and your channel is ready!
Once set up, you can start broadcasting updates to your subscribers on WhatsApp Channels.
The global rollout of WhatsApp Channels provides a new avenue for creators and businesses to directly engage with audiences in a structured, private manner.
With privacy protections in place, Channels offer efficient broadcasting capabilities within WhatsApp’s secure platform. As more users and organizations begin leveraging this feature, Channels have the potential to transform communication and content consumption patterns significantly.