In India, Meta has launched WhatsApp Channels, opening a brand-new channel for communication. WhatsApp Channels, first introduced in June, is a one-way broadcasting feature that lets administrators share text, pictures, videos, stickers, and polls with a large audience.
On September 13, 2023, Meta published a blog entry in which she announced the news. “Today we have introduced WhatsApp Channels in India and will give a private channel for users to get updates that matter to them,” wrote Meta in this blog post. Additionally, we now allow consumers to follow some of their favorite athletes, artists, creators, and thought leaders directly within WhatsApp.
The platform now has a “Updates” option where users can access WhatsApp Channels. Users can easily find their chosen channels and Status updates, keeping them apart from their private communications with their loved ones, friends, and communities.
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Several well-known people have already made their WhatsApp Channels public, including Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, and Vijay Deverakonda. Notably, in keeping with the anticipation growing for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian Cricket Team has also started its own WhatsApp channel.
A new “Enhanced Directory” feature in WhatsApp Channels makes it easier for users to identify channels that are specific to their country. Additionally, based on follower counts, users can discover channels that are fresh, very active, or well-liked.
Emojis are a popular way for users to react within WhatsApp Channels, and the overall number of reactions is easily observable. The automatic inclusion of a link back to the originating channel in updates that users forward to their conversations or groups also makes it easier for others to receive the information.
It’s important to stress that joining a channel does not reveal the user’s phone number to the admin or other members. Who one chooses to follow is a completely personal decision. Administrators can also prevent screenshots and forwards from appearing in their channels. Additionally, they retain control over who can subscribe to their channel and whether or not it should be listed in the directory.
Here’s how to set up your WhatsApp Channels
- On your phone, launch WhatsApp and select the Updates tab.
- When you press the plus sign (+), choose “New channel.”
- Then, as directed on the screen, tap “Get started.”
- To complete the creation, add a channel name.
- Add a description and an icon to personalize your channel.
- To finish, select Create channel, and you’re ready to go.
With the launch of WhatsApp Channels in India, Meta is laying the groundwork for a dynamic and interesting communication experience, providing users with a wide variety of material and updates.