Called Channels, it’s a new way to broadcast your information
There’s a new channel in the UAE, and it’s on WhatsApp!
WhatsApp Channels are now being rolled out in the region, creating a new broadcast service for people to channelise easily.
This basically means you can now receive private updates from your favourite celebrities, sports teams, artists, creators, and thought leaders that you follow, all on the same app you text from daily.
All you need is a Whatsapp account!
The Channels will be a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. You can find it in a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp – you will see the status and channels you choose to follow – separate from chats and communities.
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With privacy being a major concern today, it’s comforting to know that channels are separate from chats and followers are not visible to each other. The channel will not reveal users’ phone numbers to the admin or other followers.
From an admin perspective, they can block screenshots or forwards from their channels. They can also prevent people from following them, as well as choose if they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not.
The Channel updates act like stories in a way, with channel history being stored on Meta servers for only 30 days. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channels.
For now, you can react to the updates using emojis and stickers, with Meta hoping to add more features going forward.
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