WhatsApp Channels Launched In India: How It Works, Download Details And More
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 countries. According to the instant messaging app, WhatsApp Channels is a one-way broadcast tool that provides a private way to receive updates from individuals and organisations within WhatsApp.
“Today we're excited to launch WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 countries and deliver a private way to receive updates that matter to you. We're welcoming thousands of organisations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow,” the Meta-owned app wrote in a blogpost.
"Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organizations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.
According to the company, with Channels, WhatsApp is aiming to build the most private broadcast service available. Channels are separate from your chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers. The app also protects the personal information of both admins and followers.
How To Download WhatsApp Channels?
Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates – where you'll find Status and channels you choose to follow.
WhatsApp Channels Features
Enhanced Directory – You can now find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. You can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.
Reactions – You can react using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How you react will not be shown to followers.
Editing – Soon, admins will be able to make changes to their Updates for up to 30 days, when we automatically delete them from our servers.
Forwarding – Whenever you forward an Update to chats or groups it will include a link back to the channel so people can find out more.
According to Meta, WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the next few weeks. They will continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback they get from users.
How To Create A channel on WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp Web, and go to Channels by clicking the Channels icon
- Click > Create channel.
- Click Continue and continue through the onscreen prompts.
- Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
You can choose to customize your channel by adding a description and icon or wait until later. - Add a channel description: Write a few words to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
- Add a channel icon: Add an image from your phone or the web to stand out.
- Click Create channel, and you're done!
