Highlights
- Meta launches WhatsApp Channels, a new conversational feature to enhance user engagement.
- Users can receive updates from NGOs, research institutions, and other entities.
- Admins can send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls, creating a private and reliable communication platform.
Meta, the social media giant, is expanding its reach by introducing Channels, a new messaging feature on WhatsApp. This update follows a similar rollout on Instagram and aims to provide more conversational avenues to the platform’s 2 billion users. With Channels, Meta is experimenting with ways to enhance user engagement while also exploring potential monetization opportunities.
Channels messages on WhatsApp will be displayed in a dedicated tab called Updates, deviating from Meta’s approach on Instagram where channel announcements are communicated via direct messages. Unlike Instagram, WhatsApp’s focus is on facilitating channels for use by entities such as NGOs, medical research institutions, and fact-checking bodies rather than individual creators.
Admins of WhatsApp Channels can send various types of content, including text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. However, it’s important to note that these conversations are one-way, meaning users won’t be able to directly reply to these messages.
WhatsApp offers different options for joining channels, including invite links and a directory to discover channels related to hobbies, sports teams, and local officials. To maintain privacy, admins will have control over the discoverability of their channels through specific tools provided by WhatsApp.
Also Read: WhatsApp Boosts Privacy: Silence Unknown Callers & Privacy Checkup
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, stated, “Today we’re announcing WhatsApp Channels—a private way to follow people and organizations that matter to you, right within WhatsApp.” Meta will launch Channels initially in Singapore and Colombia, partnering with organizations such as the Singapore Heart Foundation, Colombia Check, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the World Health Organization (WHO), FC Barcelona, and Manchester City. The company plans to extend the availability of the Channels feature to more countries in the future.
Meta is exploring different possibilities with Channels, including potentially removing end-to-end encryption for larger channels to expand their audience reach. The company is also considering monetization options, such as integrating payment services for businesses within Channels and allowing businesses to promote themselves in the directory. WhatsApp has already introduced in-app payment capabilities in Brazil and Singapore.
Also Read: How to Edit WhatsApp Messages on iOS and Android Devices
With Channels, WhatsApp aims to facilitate large-group conversations, complementing its existing Communities feature. Communities, launched last year, provided a centralized platform for clubs, schools, and residential complexes to have discussions. Now, Channels will serve as a platform for organizations and authorities to issue updates and alerts to users.
In addition to Channels, WhatsApp has released a beta version (2.23.15.11) for Android users, offering new features such as emojis and a redesigned archive feature. WhatsApp’s commitment to improving user experience is evident in these updates.
WhatsApp continues to evolve and provide a reliable, private, and efficient communication platform. With the introduction of Channels and other enhancements, WhatsApp solidifies its position as a leading choice for instant messaging and communication worldwide.