WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has launched its new Channels feature globally. The feature is aimed at enhancing the experience of broadcasted messages and is now available to users in over 150 countries.
The Channels feature is housed in a separate tab within the app, ensuring privacy as other users cannot see the channels you follow. Furthermore, personal information such as phone numbers will not be visible to admins or followers.
The primary function of a channel is one-to-many communication through broadcast messages. However, new interactions have been introduced, including the ability to react to messages with emojis. Users can view the total count of reactions under each message.
With the global launch, WhatsApp has improved its directory for finding channels based on your country. Users can sort this list by new, most active, and most popular. When users forward an update from a channel to a group or an individual, it will include a link back to the channel.
For admins, WhatsApp has introduced the ability to edit a message for up to 30 days. However, creating a channel is still restricted to select individuals or organizations, with plans to eventually allow everyone to create a channel.
In response to recent rumors about introducing ads on WhatsApp, Meta has categorically denied these claims. While monetization efforts are being explored through WhatsApp Business accounts, Meta has assured that the core messaging service will remain untouched by advertisements.
