Mark Zuckerberg introduces WhatsApp channel on the app
WhatsApp has announced the launch of its new broadcast feature called Channels, available in India and over 150 countries. Similar to Instagram’s Broadcast channel feature, Channels allows users to send messages to large groups of recipients through one-way channels. The feature operates independently from regular chats, ensuring the privacy of users who choose to follow a channel.
Channels serve as a unidirectional broadcasting tool, enabling administrators to share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. The identities of both administrators and followers remain confidential to other followers. To access Channels, WhatsApp has introduced a new tab called “Updates,” keeping these broadcasts separate from conversations with friends and family.
In addition to the initial launch, WhatsApp plans to enhance the functionality and user experience of Channels. Users can now discover channels through a searchable directory filtered by country, activity level, popularity, or newness. Similar to Instagram, users can react to updates using emojis, and administrators will soon have the ability to edit their updates for up to 30 days. When administrators forward an update, it will include a link back to the channel for easy access to additional information.
WhatsApp aims to prevent the accumulation of messages in channels by retaining channel history on its servers for a maximum of 30 days. The company is also working on implementing features to make updates disappear more quickly from followers’ devices. Additionally, administrators can control who can follow their channel and decide if they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory.
While channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp acknowledges the potential benefits of end-to-end encryption for limited-audience channels, such as nonprofit organizations or health institutions, and is considering it for future implementation.
