WhatsApp has unveiled Channels, a Twitter feed-like feature that allows admins to send one-way broadcasts of text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to followers. Channels initially launches in Colombia and Singapore with select organizations before expanding to more countries soon. According to the WhatsApp blog, Channels caters to governments, brands, and other entities looking for an alternative platform to make announcements. - Followers cannot reply to any messages, which will be stored for 30 days before being deleted.
- Users can find and follow channels in a dedicated tab called Updates, which is separate from the chat inbox and houses both Status updates and followed channels.
- WhatsApp is also creating a directory for users to discover channels.
What's next: - Unlike regular WhatsApp messages, the messages aren't end-to-end encrypted, though WhatsApp said it's exploring encryption options for specific channels.
- The platform, owned by Meta, also plans to offer payment services and promotional options for channel admins, expanding their monetization opportunities.
Credit: WhatsApp |
