WhatsApp Introduces Channels [Video]

WhatsApp Messenger has introduced Channels, a new way to receive important updates from people and organizations. Channels is located in a new tab called Updates where you'll find Status and all the Channels you choose to follow.

Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. To help you select channels to follow, we're building a searchable directory where you can find your hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, and more. You can also get to a channel from invite links sent in chats, e-mail, or posted online.




WhatsApp notes that as a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo won't be shown to followers. Likewise, following a channel won't reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers.

Channel history will only be stored on WhatsApp servers for up to 30 days and the company plans to add ways to make updates disappear even faster from follower's devices. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel.

Additionally, WhatsApp plans to make it possible for admins to decide who can follow their channel and whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not. Given the aim of Channels is to reach a wide audience, channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default, though the company is exploring some cases where end-to-end encrypted channels might make sense, such as a non profit or health organization.

Channels will first be available in Colombia and Singapore with the feature coming to more contries soon.


Finally, WhatsApp believes there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness.

Check out the video below for more details...

You can download WhatsApp Messenger from the App Store for free.
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