Stepping up its game in the realm of private messaging, WhatsApp now offers users the opportunity to receive direct updates from eminent personalities, brands and sports teams. Called “channels,” the feature was introduced in June with limited scope, but is now making its global debut.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, confirmed that a large number of well-known organizations, sports teams, celebrities and brands are available for users. Notable figures and entities taking part include musicians Olivia Rodrigo and David Guetta, soccer giants Manchester City and Liverpool and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Unlike regular chats, channels work more like news feeds found on other social media platforms. Content shared in channels can range from text and images to videos and polls. These posts will be displayed in a new updates section, alongside existing status updates. When users access an update, it will resemble a typical WhatsApp chat, although interactions are restricted to emoji reactions.
Enhancing user convenience, a search function will help discover new accounts to follow, while channel owners can invite followers via direct links. Emphasizing privacy, Meta labels channels as a “private broadcast service”. Both followers and owners remain anonymous, with phone numbers and profile pictures hidden. Also, channels can choose not to be detected in search and posts will be automatically removed after 30 days.
While not all users currently have the privilege to create a channel, Meta plans to expand this capability in the coming months.
This article is sourced from and written by AI.
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