WhatsApp Channels now available in India

WhatsApp has recently launched a new feature called “Channels” in India and over 150 other countries. Similar to Instagram’s Broadcast channel feature, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, now allows users to interact with their contacts through one-way channels. This feature simplifies the process of sending messages to extensive groups of recipients.

WhatsApp has highlighted that Channels operate independently from the regular chats. This will ensure that the identities of those who choose to follow remain confidential to other followers. Channels serve as a unidirectional broadcasting tool, allowing administrators to share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls while safeguarding the privacy of both administrators and followers.

“We’re excited to share the news that we’re launching WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 countries. WhatsApp Channels is a one-way broadcast tool and deliver a private way to receive updates from people and organizations that matter to you, right within WhatsApp,” notes WhatsApp.

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WhatsApp will add new tab for Channels

WhatsApp is introducing its new Channels feature in a dedicated tab called “Updates.” Here, users will be able to access Status updates and the channels they choose to follow. It will be kept separate from their conversations with family, friends, and communities. Additionally, users can access channels through invitation links shared in chats, emails, or posted online.

The platform further notes that as the feature is being expanded globally, it is also introducing new updates to Channels. It is with the aim of enhancing the functionality and user experience.

Features:

Enhanced Directory: Users can now discover channels though the searchable directory that is automatically filtered by country. Users can also browse channels based on their activity level, popularity, or newness.

Reactions: Similar to how users can react in Instagram broadcast channels, in WhatsApp Channels too, users can react to updates and express feedback using emoji. The total number of reactions will be displayed, but the admin’s individual reactions will not be visible to followers.

Editing: Admins will soon have the ability to edit their updates for a period of up to 30 days before they are automatically deleted from WhatsApp’s servers.

Forwarding: Whenever an admin will forward an Update to chats or groups, it will include a link back to the channel, allowing people to easily find more information.

In order to avoid messages piling up within channels, WhatsApp will store channel history on its servers for a maximum duration of 30 days. The company is also actively developing features to ensure that updates vanish from followers’ devices at an even faster rate. Furthermore, administrators will be given the choice to block screenshots and forwarding of content within their channels.

In addition, WhatsApp is also giving administrators control over who can follow their channel. And whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory. It is important to note that, by default, channels are not end-to-end encrypted. This is because the primary goal of channels is to reach a wide audience.