WhatsApp Channels Now Available in India: How to Use This New Feature

WhatsApp has officially launched its new feature called Channels in India and over 150 countries. This new feature, similar to Instagram’s Broadcast channel, allows users to send messages to large groups of recipients, creating one-way communication channels.

Channels on WhatsApp operate independently from regular chats, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of followers. These channels serve as a unidirectional broadcasting tool, enabling administrators to share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls while safeguarding the privacy of both administrators and followers.

The new Channels feature will have a dedicated tab called “Updates,” where users can access Status updates and the channels they follow, keeping them separate from their personal conversations. Users can access channels through invitation links shared in chats, emails, or posted online.

WhatsApp is continually enhancing the functionality and user experience of Channels with the following updates:

1. Enhanced Directory: Users can discover channels through a searchable directory automatically filtered by country. Users can also browse channels based on activity level, popularity, or newness.
2. Reactions: Similar to Instagram broadcast channels, WhatsApp Channels allows users to react to updates and provide feedback using emojis. The total number of reactions will be displayed, but individual admin reactions will remain private.
3. Editing: Admins will soon have the ability to edit their updates within a 30-day window before they are automatically deleted from WhatsApp’s servers.
4. Forwarding: When an admin forwards an update to chats or groups, it will include a link back to the channel, making it easier for people to find more information.

To prevent message accumulation in channels, WhatsApp will retain channel history on its servers for a maximum of 30 days. The company is also working on features to make updates disappear more quickly from followers’ devices. Administrators will have the option to prevent screenshots and forwards within their channels.

WhatsApp is giving administrators control over who can follow their channel and whether it should be discoverable in the directory. It’s important to note that, by default, channels are not end-to-end encrypted, as their primary goal is to reach a wide audience.

WhatsApp acknowledges that there may be cases where end-to-end encrypted channels for a limited audience, such as nonprofit organizations or health institutions, could be beneficial. The company is considering this as a potential future option.