WhatsApp, in response to Telegram’s Channels feature, has introduced its own Channels feature in 150 countries. With WhatsApp Channels, users can effortlessly share updates and information with a broader audience within the WhatsApp community. The directory feature enables users to discover specific channels of interest and engage with messages sent by the channel owners.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally unveiled the WhatsApp Channels rollout within his own channel. Users can easily join the official WhatsApp Channel to stay informed about platform updates. WhatsApp users can conveniently filter channels within the directory, making it easy to join the most popular, active, and engaging ones.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp users can only join a channel through a valid invite link, ensuring the privacy of channel owners’ phone numbers.
Messages shared through WhatsApp Channels will be accessible for 30 days, allowing channel members to react to messages, although direct responses are not supported. Additionally, messages broadcasted within channels do not benefit from end-to-end encryption. To promote this exciting feature, WhatsApp has partnered with well-known celebrities who already have established channels on the platform.
WhatsApp has also enhanced user engagement by introducing emoji reactions, although these reactions are private and not visible to other followers. The rollout of WhatsApp Channels is gradual, with availability expected to extend to all users in the coming months.
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