WhatsApp has expanded its new Channels feature to more users across the world.
In an announcement on Wednesday Facebook CEO Mark Zukerberg posted an update on the roll out of the feature.
-What is WhatsApp Channels?-
Channels is a ‘one-to-many’ broadcasting feature which will be available in over 150 countries.
However, WhatsApp initially introduced Channels in June, but it limited access to select organizations in Colombia and Singapore.
You might have seen this feature roll out in your recent WhatsApp update.
However, the feature is similar to the one available on the messaging app Telegram.
-Channels Features-
WhatsApp’s Channels feature allows users to receive updates from creators, organizations, and brands.
The channels on WhatsApp allow one to get updates from organizations, topics one is interested in.
Instagram also introduced a similar feature earlier this year, known as broadcast channels.
In addition to the broader rollout, WhatsApp has revealed several new enhancements for the feature.
These improvements include an enhanced directory that enables users to filter channels over different categories.
Users will be able to filter channels by country and sort them based on newness, activity level, and popularity.
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Users can now use emojis to react to posts within channels. Furthermore, channel administrators will have the ability to edit their updates for up to 30 days.
Nevertheless after 30 days, the platform removes the posts from its servers.
WhatsApp is also welcoming “thousands” of new channels to the platform, including those operated by Olivia Rodrigo, the MLB, and Mark Zuckerberg.
The messaging app has committed to adding more features to Channels based on user feedback.
The platform also plans to allow anyone to create a channel “over the coming months.”
However, if you don’t see the Channels feature in your app yet, WhatsApp suggests joining its mobile waitlist to receive notifications when it becomes available.
