WhatsApp has recently introduced a new feature called Channels for its users in India. This feature allows users to join spaces or channels of people or organizations that interest them in order to receive updates. These updates can be in the form of text messages, pictures, videos, and more, which are delivered directly from the channel manager.
To create a channel on WhatsApp and share updates with your followers, here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Step 2: Tap on the ‘+’ icon located next to the Channels menu.
Step 3: Select ‘New Channel’.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Get Started’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Choose a name for your channel and proceed.
Note: You can personalize your channel adding a custom profile photo and description.
Step 6: Tap on ‘Create channel’.
It is important to note that before creating a channel, users must update their WhatsApp version to the latest build from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Additionally, not all users in India have access to the channel creation feature at the moment.
Once your channel is created, you have the flexibility to change its profile photo, description, and name anytime in the future. Sending updates on channels is similar to chatting with friends, where you can share text, images, videos, stickers, and more. However, it is a one-way broadcast medium, so followers can react to and forward updates but cannot share them directly.
One key advantage of following a channel on WhatsApp is that it does not reveal the user’s phone number. Furthermore, based on user feedback, WhatsApp plans to introduce more updates focused on creators in the future.
Sources:
WhatsApp ‘Status’ Becomes ‘Updates’ As Meta Begins Rolling Out ‘Channels’ Feature For Android, iOS Users | What’s New?
WhatsApp Channels: New Feature Leaves Netizens Scratching Their Heads; Users Say ‘Ab Iska Kya Karen’
