WhatsApp Channels, the broadcasting characteristic that lets organisations and public personalities ship updates to their followers on the messaging platform, is getting a bunch of latest instruments. Channels will quickly obtain a polling characteristic, voice notes and the flexibility to share Channel updates to Status. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the brand new Channel options Wednesday on his personal WhatsApp Channel, showcasing the brand new polling operate to his followers. WhatsApp rolled out the Channels characteristic, which works as a one-way broadcasting device, final 12 months. With common updates from sports activities groups, organisations and public figures, Channels is geared toward growing engagement on the Meta-owned messaging platform.
The new updates purpose to deliver extra engagement to Channels, with Channel admins getting the flexibility to ship out polls to members. Polls have existed for some time now on common and group chats on WhatsApp. Channel admins will now additionally be capable to ship out updates within the type of voice notes, thus participating the viewers in a extra direct and private method.
Channels acquired some updates 🆕 here is what you possibly can anticipate to see quickly 👇
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 17, 2024
Additionally, WhatsApp Channel updates can now even be shared on Status. This might be achieved by lengthy urgent the Channel replace {that a} consumer needs to share, choosing ‘Forward,’ and then choosing ‘My Status.’ And lastly, the brand new updates additionally embody the flexibility so as to add a number of admins for a selected Channel.
Channels, which primarily function a one-way communication device, has obtained updates since launch that purpose to deliver extra engagement and interactivity. WhatsApp Channels reportedly rolled out a beta replace in November 2023 that enables Channel admins to share Stickers with their followers. The identical month, the platform was first seen working on the flexibility to share polls in Channels.
WhatsApp rolled out the Channels characteristic initially in June final 12 months, with Meta describing it as “a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organisations, right within WhatsApp” at launch. The broadcasting tool was later rolled out in 150 countries, including India, with support for directory search and reactions in September. Meta also partnered with popular sports teams like the Indian Cricket team and public figures like Diljit Dosanjh and Katrina Kaif to create dedicated Channels providing regular updates on the app.
Channels has grown to become a popular feature in a short time. According to WhatsApp, more than 2 billion people use the messaging service globally. WhatsApp Channels, on the other hand, crossed 500 million monthly active users within the first seven weeks of its launch, Zuckerberg had claimed in a Channels message last year.
