In a groundbreaking move, Meta has introduced WhatsApp Channels, a brand-new feature that is revolutionizing the way people connect and interact on the popular messaging platform. Since its recent launch in India, WhatsApp Channels has taken the nation by storm, attracting attention from political leaders, celebrities, and everyday users. Let’s delve into what WhatsApp Channels is all about, its safety features, and how you can create and manage your own channel.
WhatsApp Channels: A New Frontier in Communication
WhatsApp Channels, as described by Meta, is “a private way for people to receive updates that matter to them, right within WhatsApp.” While WhatsApp is primarily known as a messaging app, WhatsApp Channels is expanding its use case by allowing users to follow updates from individuals and organizations they are interested in without ever leaving the app.
The core concept of WhatsApp Channels is to serve as a one-way broadcast tool that shares updates on a dedicated tab called “Updates.” This tab replaces the former Status tab, although circular Status updates still appear on top of the Updates page.
Meta has plans to roll out WhatsApp Channels in over 150 countries, including India, over the next few weeks. Users will be able to follow channels that are automatically filtered based on their country, search for channels by name or category, and discover new and popular channels based on their follower count and activity level.
Safety and Privacy on WhatsApp Channels
Meta emphasizes its commitment to building the most private broadcast service available. The personal information of both channel admins and followers is protected, and the identities of channel followers, including their phone numbers and profile images, remain private. Admins have the power to block screenshots and forwards from their channels, and they can control who can follow their channel and whether their channel is visible in the directory.
Creating Your Own WhatsApp Channel
WhatsApp Channels is open to everyone, making it a versatile platform for various purposes. Users can share text, images, videos, stickers, and links on their channels, and followers can react using emojis. It’s important to note that channel updates are one-way broadcasts, not interactive conversations.
Here’s how to create your own WhatsApp Channel:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your device.
- Go to the Updates tab.
- Look for the Channels section and tap the plus icon.
- Select “Create Channel” to begin the Channel creation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, providing a name, description, and profile picture for your Channel.
- Tap “Create Channel” to complete the process.
Modifying Your Channel’s Name
If you ever need to change your WhatsApp Channel’s name, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the Updates tab.
- Find and tap your channel to open it.
- Tap your channel name.
- Select “Channel Info” and then “Edit Channel.”
- Update your channel name and tap the check mark to confirm the change.
Deleting Your WhatsApp Channel
It’s important to note that deleting your WhatsApp Channel is a permanent action. Once deleted, you cannot make updates to it anymore. Here’s how to delete your WhatsApp Channel:
- Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the Updates tab (or Channels page on the web version).
- Find and tap (or click) on your channel to open it.
- Tap (or click) your channel name.
- Select “Delete Channel” and then click “Delete.”
- Confirm the action by entering your phone number and tapping (or clicking) “Delete.”
Keep in mind that when you delete your channel, your followers will still see it, but with a system message indicating that it was deleted. Past updates will remain accessible on their devices. Non-followers, on the other hand, will no longer be able to see your channel or its updates.
WhatsApp Channels by Meta is quickly transforming the way we communicate, providing a platform for individuals, organizations, and celebrities to connect with their followers in a private and secure manner. With its emphasis on privacy and ease of use, it’s no wonder that WhatsApp Channels is gaining popularity in India and around the world.