Meta Launched WhatsApp Channels Globally

On Wednesday (13/9), Meta is excited to launch WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries and deliver a private way to receive updates that matter to users.

They’re welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow right within WhatsApp, as written on their public announcement.

Related: WhatsApp Rolls Out Support for Sending HD Videos

For those who are new to Channels, Meta stated that their goal is to build the most private broadcast service available.

Channels are separate from the chats, and who users choose to follow is not visible to other followers.

Meta also protects the personal information of both admins and followers.

Meta has appreciated all the positive feedback from their initial start in ten countries, and as they expand Channels globally, they’re introducing the following updates:

• Enhanced Directory – Users can now find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on their country. They can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.
• Reactions – YUsers can react using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How they react will not be shown to followers. 
• Editing – Soon, admins will be able to make changes to their Updates for up to 30 days, when the system will automatically delete them from Meta's servers. 
• Forwarding – Whenever users forward an Update to chats or groups it will include a link back to the channel so people can find out more.

Meta claimes that this is just the beginning, and that they’ll continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback they get from users.

Over the coming months, they’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel. 

If you’re looking to hear about more product updates directly from Meta, they’ve now also launched the official WhatsApp Channel to keep users up-to-date on what they’re building.