WhatsApp Channels launches in India: What is it, how does it work?

META has now launched WhatsApp Channels in India. The news was announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a Facebook post. Zuckerberg wrote, “Today we’re starting to roll out WhatsApp Channels globally and adding thousands of new channels that people can follow in WhatsApp. You can find Channels in the new ‘Updates’ tab.” “Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organizations you follow. I’m starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world,” Zuckerberg added in his own channel. But what are WhatsApp Channels? And how do they work? Let’s take a closer look: What is it? According to the META website, WhatsApp Channels is a “one-way broadcast tool” for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.

It is a private way to receive updates from celebrities, sports teams and thought leaders.

WhatsApp said its aim behind launching the feature is to “build the most private broadcast service available.” “This starts by protecting the personal information of both admins and followers. Following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it’s private,” the website states. WhatsApp also said it doesn’t believe channel updates should ‘have to stick around forever’. “So, we’ll only store channel history on our servers for up to 30 days. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel,” the website states. How does it work? Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp. Here, users can find channels to follow – separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities. According to META, channels have the following features

• Enhanced Directory – WhatsApp users can find channels to follow automatically filtered based on your country. They can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on number of followers.
• Reactions – Users can react using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How they react will not be shown to followers.
• 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.

According to India Today, admins will also be given the choice of preventing screenshots on their channels as well as stopping forwards. WhatsApp is also giving admins control over who can follow their channel and if it is discoverable. WhatsApp Channels will be available globally in the coming weeks and months. Anyone with a WhatsApp account will be able to create a channel on the app. WhatsApp is known for encryption that protects against snooping.

However, it is important to note that channels are not encrypted end-to-end by default, as per India Today.

Meta Platforms on Wednesday said it will soon give users in more than 150 countries access to WhatsApp Channels. The move comes as Meta makes a push to shore up engagement across its social media apps, positioning them as central destinations where content creators can engage with followers. [caption id=“attachment_13084332” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Meta Platforms on Wednesday said it will soon give users in more than 150 countries access to WhatsApp Channels.[/caption] The wider rollout is happening months after WhatsApp Channels was launched in Colombia and Singapore, in June. The Broadcast Channels feature on Instagram was concurrently made available globally. META in June said its global launch partners include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization, as well as the FC Barcelona and Manchester City football clubs. More than two billion people around the world use WhatsApp, according to the platform. BCCI, Katrina launch WhatsApp channels The BCCI and Katrina Kaif, and Akshay Kumar among others have launched WhatsApp channels in India. Launching the official Indian Cricket Team WhatsApp Channel, BCCI, said, “The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news around match schedules, timings, scorecards etc. Get on WhatsApp channels and never miss out on updates from on and off the field, as per statement shared by WhatsApp team. Commenting on the launch of WhatsApp Channels, actress and entrepreneur, Katrina Kaif, said, “I am delighted to collaborate with WhatsApp for the launch of WhatsApp Channels. This platform provides me with an exciting opportunity to connect with those who are interested in various aspects of my life, be it my work in the film industry or my ventures in the business world, all of which I am deeply passionate about. WhatsApp Channels serves as a personalized newsletter through which I can share insights and updates with my dedicated audience, fans, and all those who have consistently shown their support throughout my journey.” Vijay Deverakonda, commenting on the launch of WhatsApp Channels, said, “I am launching my Channel on WhatsApp today. Excited to share some great sneak peeks, exclusive behind-the-scenes content with my boys and girls across the country. And the best part is that it’s as simple as sending a message.” Launching his WhatsApp Channel, Diljit Dosanjh said, “WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls, not just with people close to me but my larger extended community. Who knows the next time I’m performing at Coachella or go on tour, people on my WhatsApp Channel will be the first to know.” With inputs from agencies