WhatsApp Channels have recently been introduced in India and across more than 149 countries. This new feature, reminiscent of Instagram Channels, offers a means for individuals to expand their audience reach without compromising their privacy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to set up your own WhatsApp Channel.
In Brief
WhatsApp Channels have been launched in India.
Channels serve as a one-way broadcasting tool for administrators to disseminate text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.
Both administrators and followers remain oblivious to each other’s phone numbers.
WhatsApp Channels have been introduced in India and in over 149 other countries. This feature bears resemblance to Instagram Channels and is poised to empower users to connect with a wider audience while safeguarding their privacy.
Channels function as a unidirectional broadcasting tool, allowing administrators to transmit text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. These channels can be accessed via a newly introduced tab labeled “Updates” on WhatsApp. This section is distinct from your chats with family, friends, and communities, as it exclusively houses your Status and the channels you opt to follow.
WhatsApp Channels: Crafting Your Own Channel
To create a WhatsApp Channel, simply update your WhatsApp application. After the update, users will notice a new channels option either on the main window or in the Updates tab. Any WhatsApp user can establish a channel by tapping the “+” icon, situated to the right of the Channels option. Upon doing so, the app will prompt you to set up a channel by assigning it a name and adding an image. Presently, there are no limitations on the number of channels you can create.
WhatsApp Channels: Privacy Enhancements
As a channel administrator, your phone number and profile photo will remain concealed from your followers. Similarly, when you follow a channel, your phone number will not be disclosed to the administrator or other followers. The decision of whom to follow is entirely your prerogative, and it remains private, as per WhatsApp’s disclosed information. WhatsApp will retain channel history on servers for up to 30 days, as the company deems it unnecessary to preserve Channel updates indefinitely.
What Can Administrators Post on WhatsApp Channels?
Administrators possess the liberty to post photos, text messages, links, or any other content on their public channel. They also have the option to prevent screenshots and forwards from their channel. However, followers are not permitted to respond or send messages within a public channel, though they can express their reactions through emojis in response to posts.
“We will offer administrators the ability to determine who can follow their channel and whether they want their channel to appear in the directory. Since the primary goal of Channels is to reach a broad audience, it’s important to note that channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default,” the company stated.
