WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, has taken its Channels feature globally. Initially limited to ten countries, the feature is now accessible in over 150 countries.
According to Meta, the parent company, this feature offers you a “private way to receive updates that matter to you.” The expansion aims to broaden the variety of content available to you, including updates from sports teams, organisations, artists, and thought leaders.
Channels differ from regular WhatsApp chats in providing a secure space to follow various channels without disclosing your choices to others. The company highlights that your personal information and that of admins and other followers will remain secure.
Added functionalities to enhance the experience
As part of this worldwide release, WhatsApp is bringing in new updates to improve your experience. These include:
- An improved directory that helps you find channels based on your location, activity, and popularity.
- Emoji reactions to posts where you can express yourself while keeping your identity hidden.
- The ability to modify channel updates for up to 30 days, after which they will be auto-deleted.
In addition, a link to the original channel will be included when you forward an update to chats or groups.
WhatsApp has stated that these updates are merely the beginning, with more features in future months.
