What is WhatsApp's new ‘Channel’ feature? How to create one?

A WhatsApp channel can be used to share updates and information to an unlimited audience.

Published on: Sep 14, 2023, 17:16:00 IST

By HT News Desk | Written by Aryan Prakash

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Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched its new feature ‘Channels’, a one-way platform for sharing updates with the followers. This comes more than a year after the company had rolled out the Communities feature.

A WhatsApp channel can be used to share updates and information to an unlimited audience. The information can be shared through text, images, videos, stickers and links.

WhatsApp launched its new feature 'Channels' on Wednesday. (WhatsApp)

Channels are found in a new tab called Updates - where you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow - separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities.

How to create a WhatsApp channel?

To create a WhatsApp channel on your phone, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your phone and go to the Updates tab.

Step 2: Select ‘New Channel’. Tap on ‘Get Started’ and continue through the on-screen prompts.

Step 3: Now, add a channel name to create your channel. Remember, you can change the name at any point of time.

Step 4: You can add a description and icon or do it later.

Step 5: Add an image from your phone or the web to create an icon. Tap on ‘Create Channel’.

How does Channel protect privacy and ensure users' safety?

Talking about safety of WhatsApp channels, you are not visible to people who are viewing a channel. Your name, contact details, profile picture, reaction to the content or vote in poll is not visible to anyone except the admins.

WhatsApp says your contacts cannot see which channels you follow or how you interact with a channel content, unless they happen to be admin of a channel you follow.

Also, a user's profile and channel interaction information may be visible to channel admins, but admins who aren’t contacts only see limited information:

Admins who aren’t contacts may see your profile picture and how you interact with their channel content. But they cannot see your full phone number or profile name unless they have you saved as a contact.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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