Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp is now rolling out a new feature called Channels. This new initiative will provide a private way for users to receive important messages and updates from businesses and people directly within WhatsApp. Here are all the details you need to know.
🧵 What is a WhatsApp channel?
WhatsApp channels are a simple and private way to receive updates from the people and organizations you care about.
Channels are in your Updates tab, separate from conversations with family and friends.
– WhatsApp (@WhatsApp)
June 8, 2023
What is WhatsApp’s channel feature?
Channels are one-way broadcasting tools that allow businesses and organizations to send messages and updates to an unlimited number of followers. This feature comes after parent company Meta announced a similar feature for Instagram.
The new update will show up in a bottom tab titled “Updates” and will contain a searchable folder where users can find topics of interest.
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This allows users to create and subscribe to channels, and administrators can send text, photos, videos, and polls to a large audience. The Channel feature can benefit influencers, businesses, and individuals who share news, updates, and other information with their followers or customers.
Here is WhatsApp Blog’s statement which reads: “Today, we’re excited to introduce Channels: a simple, trusted and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations, right within WhatsApp.”
“Channel is a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls,” it added.
This new feature ensures privacy for both users and admins as followers will not be able to see the admin’s contact information and vice versa.
WhatsApp notification reads: “We aim to build the most private broadcasting service available. This starts with protecting the personal information of both administrators and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo will not be visible to your followers.
Likewise, following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to admins or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it is private.”
What is the availability of WhatsApp Channel Feature?
This new feature is expected to be rolled out in Columbia and Singapore, where WhatsApp will partner with leading companies and global voices. The platform plans to test the feature on a small scale initially and eventually roll it out to more countries.
Here’s what the blog says: “To launch the Channel, we are excited to work with leading global voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where the Channel will be first available to build, learn and adapt experiences .”
“We’re bringing Channels to more countries and making channel creation available to everyone in the coming months”it added.
What are the features of WhatsApp Channels?
The new update will have the following features:
Privacy: Channel admins and followers won’t be able to see each other’s phone numbers or profile pictures. This information will only be used to create channels and send updates.
Updates: Channel updates will only be stored on WhatsApp’s servers for a maximum of 30 days. WhatsApp also plans to add ways for followers to make updates disappear from their devices quickly.
Control: Admins will have more control over their channels. They will be able to decide who can follow their channel and whether it will be found in the directory. They will also be able to block screenshots and retweets from their channel.
Payment Services: WhatsApp will also integrate its payment methods into the new feature allowing creators to monetize their services and build their businesses. The platform will also add and promote certain channels within the catalog to help increase awareness.
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How do I use the WhatsApp Channels feature?
To find and subscribe to a WhatsApp Channel, open WhatsApp and go to the Updates tab. Tap the Explore button and you’ll see a list of channels. You can also search for channels by name or topic.
Source: WhatsApp
To subscribe to a channel, tap the Follow button. You’ll then start receiving updates from the channel in the Updates tab.
In short, WhatsApp Channels can be a powerful tool for businesses and organizations to share information with their followers and create hype about their new services and products to grow their business. Their business can grow. It will also serve as a platform to easily interact with the audience
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn