WhatsApp Channels has officially launched in South Africa, allowing users to receive updates from their favorite organizations and creators. This new feature can be accessed through the “Updates” menu, which replaces the previous “Status” menu. Users will find the Channels tab below the statuses from their contacts.
WhatsApp Channels, initially introduced Meta-owned chat platform in June, provides a chat-like feed for users to follow specific accounts. While this feed does not support interactive features, users can react to posts with emojis. Similar to Telegram’s chat feeds, Channels allow users to join and receive content without the ability to interact with it.
Meta has made it easier to find Channels based on users’ regions through an enhanced directory feature. Local Channels are recommended first, followed the most active, most popular, and new channels. When users follow a Channel, they will receive notifications for updates or posts as if they were regular chats. These updates can be forwarded to chats or groups, including a backlink for others to follow the same Channels.
Currently, only organizations and content creators can create Channels. However, WhatsApp plans to allow anyone to create a Channel in the near future. The company expressed its commitment to adding more features and expanding Channels based on user feedback.
Although there are not many Channels available yet, there are a few worth following. Some recommended WhatsApp Channels include those of Mark Zuckerberg, WWE, World Health Organization, Sony Pictures, Call of Duty, and Bloomberg News.
This new feature enables users to stay up to date with their favorite organizations and creators, providing a convenient platform for receiving updates and relevant information.
Sources:
– Source article: [URL]
– WhatsApp Channels: [definition]
– Meta: [definition]
