WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Facebook, has announced a new feature that allows users to create and join channels for broadcast messages. Channels are similar to groups, but they are designed for one-way communication rather than conversation. Users can subscribe to channels of their interest and receive updates from the channel creators, such as news outlets, celebrities, businesses, or influencers.
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| WhatsApp’s Channels: A New Way to Connect with Your Favorite Sources |
Channels are different from the existing broadcast lists feature, which allows users to send messages to multiple contacts at once. Broadcast lists are limited to 256 contacts and require the recipients to have the sender's phone number saved in their address book. Channels, on the other hand, can have an unlimited number of subscribers and do not require any contact information exchange. Users can discover and join channels through QR codes, links, or invitations.
WhatsApp says that channels will help users stay informed and connected with their favorite sources of information and entertainment, while also giving channel creators a new way to reach and engage their audiences. Channel creators can use WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption, media support, and stickers to deliver rich and secure messages to their subscribers. They can also access analytics and feedback tools to measure their performance and interact with their fans.
Channels are rolling out globally today for both Android and iOS users. Users can access the channels feature by tapping on the new "Channels" tab in the app. To create a channel, users need to tap on the "Create" button and follow the instructions. To join a channel, users need to scan a QR code, tap on a link, or accept an invitation from a channel creator or another user.
WhatsApp says that it hopes that channels will enhance the user experience and foster more meaningful communication on its platform. The company also says that it will continue to improve the feature based on user feedback and suggestions.