WhatsApp launches channels in over 150 countries

Meta has announced the global launch of WhatsApp Channels, a groundbreaking feature that redefines the way users receive updates from their favorite organisations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders. Building on the success of the initial launch in ten countries, WhatsApp Channels is now accessible to users in over 150 countries.

WhatsApp Channels is designed to provide a private and secure broadcasting service, ensuring that users can stay informed about the topics and interests that matter most to them while safeguarding their privacy. Here are some key highlights of this exciting development:

1. Enhanced directory: WhatsApp Channels introduces an enhanced directory, making it easier than ever for users to discover and follow channels of their choice. Channels are automatically filtered based on the user's country, and users can explore new, most active, and popular channels based on the number of followers.

2. Reactions: Users can now express their feedback on channel updates using emojis. The total count of reactions is visible to users, but individual reactions remain private. This feature adds an interactive element to channel updates, allowing users to engage with content creators and fellow followers.

3. Editing: In the near future, channel admins will have the capability to make updates and changes to their content for up to 30 days. After this period, updates will be automatically deleted from WhatsApp servers, ensuring that content remains up-to-date and relevant.

4. Forwarding: When users forward a channel update to chats or groups, the forwarded message will include a link back to the channel. This feature makes it easy for recipients to discover more about the channel and join the conversation.

WhatsApp Channels is just the beginning of a series of enhancements aimed at providing users with a more enriched and secure messaging experience. The platform will continue to evolve based on user feedback, with new features and improvements in the pipeline. In the coming months, WhatsApp plans to open up the channel creation feature to all users, allowing anyone to create their own channel and share their content with a global audience.

Additionally, WhatsApp has launched its official WhatsApp Channel to keep users informed about product updates and the latest developments directly from the company. This official channel will serve as a valuable resource for users seeking real-time information on what WhatsApp is building next.

WhatsApp Channels offers users a private, engaging, and secure way to stay connected with the topics and organizations that matter most to them. With this global launch and ongoing enhancements, WhatsApp reaffirms its dedication to providing a superior messaging experience for users worldwide.