Meta on Wednesday launched WhatsApp channels in India and over 150 countries. Channels are separate from chats and what you follow is not visible to other people.
WhatsApp said it also protects the personal information of both channel admins and followers.
WhatsApp Channel Updates is found in a new tab called Status where you will find the status and the channels you follow.
This is different from your chats with family, friends and groups.
If you are a channel administrator your contact details and profile photo will not be shown to followers. Following a channel will not disclose your phone number to administrators or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it's personal.
WhatsApp has an advanced directory where you can find channels to follow. The directory is automatically filtered based on your country. You can also see the newest, most active and popular channels based on the number of followers.
WhatsApp channel admins will be able to edit their updates for up to 30 days, after which the platform will automatically delete them from its servers.
Whenever a user forwards an update in chats or groups, it will include a link to the channel so people can get more information. WhatsApp has also welcomed celebrities, sports teams, thinkers and organizations, some of whom have started their own WhatsApp channels.
In India, the Indian cricket team, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, Telugu actor Vijay Devarakonda and singer Neha Kakkar have launched their WhatsApp channels.
After the channel launch, BCCI said that the Indian cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of the channels. We launch our partnership with WhatsApp in conjunction with the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 starting in October. We will leverage the channels for excitement and support as India is about to host this momentous event after a decade long wait. With WhatsApp channels, fans can get all the important and accurate information about the match including date, time. Scorecard etc information will be available.
Whatsapp New Feature Meta Company will expand WhatsApp channels to more than 150 countries
