Introduced almost 15 years ago, WhatsApp has emerged as the undisputed leader in instant messaging applications worldwide. It boasts an impressive user base of over 2 billion individuals who rely on the platform to send messages, make audio/video calls, and share files.
Recently, the parent company Meta offered a sneak peek into WhatsApp’s latest addition – WhatsApp Channel. Let’s find out how to create a WhatsApp channel.
While WhatsApp has long reigned supreme in instant messaging, it has occasionally lagged in introducing features already present on other platforms.
Many of you may be familiar with Telegram Channels, where users can discover and access preferred content such as educational materials, downloadable files, and even full-length movies. From WhatsApp group to WhatsApp Channel, the company took a step forward in bridging this gap.
Join me as we uncover every aspect of WhatsApp Channel, including its distinctive features, privacy policies, and more. I will also provide a step-by-step guide on creating a WhatsApp channel and sharing your inaugural update.
In a nutshell
- A one-way broadcasting tool for business owners and admins to share texts, media, and updates.
- It will be accessible through a new tab named Updates.
- Users will be able to find the relevant channels through a searchable directory.
What Is WhatsApp Channel?
In a recent announcement, WhatsApp revealed its plans to introduce Channels to the platform akin to the popular feature found on Telegram. This new addition aims to allow content creators and businesses to tap into the huge Whatsapp community and extend their influence.
WhatsApp is committed to reshaping the user experience on its messaging application. With the introduction of Community features not long ago, the company is progressing in the same trajectory by incorporating Channels, a feature reminiscent of Telegram’s offering.
Additionally, WhatsApp hinted at a minor interface adjustment for Android users to integrate this new feature seamlessly.
According to the blog shared by Whatsapp, “Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.”
Features Of WhatsApp Channel:
The WhatsApp channel will work similarly to WhatsApp communities and WhatsApp groups, where you can broadcast information to users, share updates, etc. However, with Channels, there is a major difference as only the Channel admin is authorized to share on the channel. Users will be free to follow their preferred channels based on their interests.
As previously mentioned, WhatsApp will introduce a channel directory where individuals can search for and discover the channels they wish to follow. By inputting relevant keywords like travel, news, weather, technology, etc., users can find channels that cater to their specific interests.
It is important to note that, unlike communities, users cannot post content on channels; they can only receive admin updates.
Channel admins can manage their followers, selecting who can follow their channel. They can decide whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the search directory or maintain a private status. Additionally, they can block the options for screenshots and forwards on their channels.
Lastly, all the information on WhatsApp channels will stay only for 30 days and disappear afterward. WhatsApp channels provide businesses with a valuable platform to connect with extensive audiences and promote their products or services.
“We also believe there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness,”
How To Create A WhatsApp Channel?
Do you have a business you want to promote or information that can benefit the users? Simply build your channel and connect with your followers directly through WhatsApp. To begin, you need a WhatsApp account which you can create using your phone number easily.
Also, ensure you have the latest Whatsapp update installed on your device. You can download the update from your device’s official WhatsApp website or app store.
Let’s look at how to create a WhatsApp channel:
1. For Android:
Take the following steps to create a WhatsApp channel on an Android device:
- Launch WhatsApp on your phone and tap on the Updates tab.
- Tap the + icon and then select New Channel.
- Tap on Get Started.
- Review and accept the terms of service and privacy policy to create your WhatsApp channel.
- Choose a name for your WhatsApp channel and create the channel. You will be able to change your channel name at any time in the future.
- Personalize your channel by adding an icon. You can select any desired photo from your device.
- Craft a channel description by summarizing your channel, its purpose, and the services it offers.
- Tap on Create channel to finish the process.
To share your channel with others, navigate to the Channel info page and copy the link associated with your channel.
2. For iPhone:
Creating a WhatsApp Channel on iPhone is similar, with one minor difference. Let’s take a look:
- Launch the Whatsapp app on your iPhone and tap on the Updates tab located at the bottom-right of the screen.
- Tap the + icon and select Create Channel.
- Tap on Get Started and accept the terms of Service and Privacy policy to proceed.
- Add a channel name, write a channel description, and add an icon. Remember, you can modify this information later in the future.
- Tap Create Channel to finish the process.
Access the channel info page to locate and share the link to your channel. To reach this page, navigate to the Updates tab in WhatsApp, select your channel, and tap on your channel name. You can find the link and easily share it with others from there.
WhatsApp Channel Privacy Policy:
Since the announcement of WhatsApp channels, there is a visible confusion regarding its privacy. Since WhatsApp solely relies on phone numbers to create the account, there is concern regarding whether these numbers will be shared on WhatsApp channels. Additionally, people wonder whether their numbers will be disclosed when they become channel admins.
Thankfully, WhatsApp has addressed this issue in its announcement. WhatsApp has provided a clear response to this concern in their announcement. Users can follow channels of their choice without sharing their phone numbers with other followers or the channel admin. Additionally, channel admins can hide their phone numbers from their followers.
However, it’s important to note that conversations within channels are not end-to-end encrypted, which has raised some concerns. WhatsApp explains that encrypting channel conversations would contradict the purpose of creating social channels. Rest assured, this lack of encryption does not impact the privacy of your personal chats and group conversations.
As the company stated:
“Given the aim of Channels is to reach a wide audience, channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default. We do think there are some cases where end-to-end encrypted channels to a limited audience might make sense, such as a non profit or health organization, and we’re exploring this as a future option as well.”
When Will WhatsApp Channels Be Available?
The WhatsApp channel feature is currently being developed and has not been officially released. However, it has been observed in the beta versions of WhatsApp for iOS 23.8.0.75 and Android 2.23.8.6 updates. Users utilizing these beta versions of the messaging app can test this new feature.
According to the company, they are initially introducing the feature to a few well-known global voices and selected organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where the Channel feature will first be made available to the public.
The company has plans to expand the availability of Channels to additional countries in the coming 2-3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WhatsApp recently announced the upcoming addition of channels to its platform, taking inspiration from Telegram’s channel feature. With channels, administrators will have the ability to share a variety of content, including messages, images, videos, and files. While the feature is still in the testing phase, it is expected to be rolled out within 2-3 months.
As of now, WhatsApp has not provided specific information about the capacity of channels. However, unlike WhatsApp groups with a limit of 1024 users, it is unlikely that WhatsApp will impose a limit on the number of followers a channel can have. This suggests that channels offer a broader reach and potential audience than groups.
Yes, it’s safe! Regarding privacy and security, WhatsApp has always been dedicated to safeguarding user data. With WhatsApp channels, your personal information, including your phone number, will not be shared with other channel followers. Additionally, the channel administrator’s details will remain private and will not be disclosed to their followers.
Conclusion:
Public channels serving as a private broadcasting platform is not a novel concept, as it has been implemented successfully on popular social media and instant messaging platforms like Instagram and Telegram.
The reception has been highly positive, as the channels offer various benefits for both users and administrators. It has opened up many opportunities and provided numerous avenues to foster community growth and leverage the expansive reach of social media.
If you have read this article, you must create a WhatsApp channel. Simply await the official launch and seize the opportunity to establish a private community, expanding your reach and connecting with a wider audience.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.
