On WhatsApp, the channels are separated from chats.
WhatsApp has rolled out its much-awaited feature, WhatsApp Channels, in India and over 150 countries, marking an innovative development in the services offered by the messaging platform.
According to its parent company, Meta Platforms, WhatsApp channels in India will give people a private way to receive updates that matter to them. Channels are a one-way tool that allows administrators to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp, where you’ll find the status and channels you want to follow, separate from your chats with family, friends and communities.
The move comes as Meta makes an effort to increase engagement on its social media apps, positioning them as central destinations where content creators can interact with followers.
The wider rollout comes months after WhatsApp channels launched in Colombia and Singapore in June. The Broadcast Channels feature on Instagram was made available worldwide at the same time.
On WhatsApp, channels are separated from chats and followers are not visible to each other.
Meta said users can see recommended WhatsApp channels based on region and popularity. Similar to WhatsApp chat, they can also use emojis to respond to messages in a channel.
WhatsApp channels will be available worldwide in the coming weeks and months. Anyone with a WhatsApp account can create a channel in the app.
The concept of channels initially became popular through Telegram Messenger, another instant messaging service. Telegram channels are often used for various purposes, such as spreading news, sharing website or blog updates, promoting products or services, sharing educational content, and building communities around shared interests. They provide a convenient way to reach a large audience and share information in a structured and organized way.
(With input from agencies)
