Unlocking the World of WhatsApp Channels: A Step-by-Step Guide

On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, launched WhatsApp Channels in more than 150 other countries. In a Facebook post, Mr. Zuckerberg announced, “Today, we are initiating the global rollout of WhatsApp Channels and introducing thousands of new channels that users can follow within WhatsApp. You can access these Channels through the newly added ‘Updates’ tab.” WhatsApp Channels serve as a one-way broadcasting tool, providing a private method for receiving updates from individuals and organizations that are important to you, all within the WhatsApp platform.

According to Meta’s guidance, WhatsApp Channels can be found in a new tab labelled ‘Updates,’ where users will also discover a list of the channels they opt to follow. Notably, the Indian cricket team, as well as actors such as Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh have launched their WhatsApp Channels.

Steps to Obtain a Channel Link

Access Channels by clicking on the Channels icon.
Choose your channel, and then click on your channel name.
Click ‘Copy link.’

Features of WhatsApp Channels:

These channels provide an enhanced directory, tailoring content to users based on their respective countries. Users can also explore channels that are new, highly active, and popular, determined by the number of followers. Furthermore, the existing feature of reactions has been extended to WhatsApp Channels. Users can express their reactions using emojis, with these reactions remaining private and undisclosed to other followers.

Editing: This capability will soon be made available to administrators. They will be granted the ability to modify their updates within a 30-day timeframe. After this period, WhatsApp will automatically remove the messages from its servers.

Forwarding: When users forward an update to chats or groups, it will come with a link back to the channel, allowing others to access additional information

Privacy Practices for WhatsApp Channels: The company’s feature allows users to follow channels without exposing their phone numbers to any individuals who are not already part of their contacts.

Here is how you can create a new WhatsApp channel
• Open WhatsApp on your mobile device and click on the ‘Updates’ tab.
• Select the plus (+) icon, then choose ‘New Channel.’
• Click on ‘Get Started,’ and the app will present on-screen instructions.
• Assign a name to your channel, and you’re ready to proceed.
• Tap ‘Create Channel,’ and your channel will be up and running.
• WhatsApp also offers the option to ‘personalize’ your channel by including a description and an icon.