iNDICA NEWS BUREAU–
Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday announced to launch WhatsApp Channels in India and over 150 countries.
WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast tool and deliver a private way to receive updates from people and organisations that matter to users, within WhatsApp.
“Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organisations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Zuckerberg added.
Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates, where “you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow”.
WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the next few weeks and the company will continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback.
“Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel,” said the social network.
“The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait,” said the BCCI, after launching the official Indian cricket team WhatsApp Channel.
“WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls,” said music sensation Diljit Dosanjh.
Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers.
Meta said in its blog post:
We have appreciated all the positive feedback since our launch in ten countries. As we expand the channel globally, we are introducing the following updates:
- Enhanced Directory – You can now find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. You can also see the newest, most active and popular channels based on the number of followers.
- Reactions – You can react using emojis to give feedback and see the total number of reactions. Followers will not be shown how you react.
- Editing – Soon, admins will be able to edit their updates for up to 30 days, when we automatically delete them from our servers.
- Forwarding – Whenever you forward an update to chats or groups, it will include a link back to the channel so people can learn more.
