In the past couple of months, WhatsApp has been introducing new features to its platform, from screenshot blocking on view once photos and videos to screen lock on WhatsApp web, in a bid to meet some demands. WhatsApp has added a new feature called Channels to its platform, which has now been rolled out globally.
What Are WhatsApp Channels?
WhatsApp Channels are a one-to-many broadcast tool that allows admins to share updates with their subscribers and followers directly from the app.
Just like the ‘’Channels’’ feature on Telegram, it allows users to get updates in the form of text, videos, and images from individuals and brands that are of interest to them.
However, unlike Telegram channels, WhatsApp Channels come with privacy for your profile and phone number in the sense that you’re not visible to other followers. That is, followers can’t see when you follow or interact with a channel.
Also, your phone number is invisible to the administrator[s] of the channel. They can’t see your phone number unless they have saved you as a contact. On the other hand, they can see your profile name based on your privacy settings.
How Can I Locate the Channels feature on WhatsApp?
After WhatsApp’s announcement of ”Channels” on its Twitter handle, many users have expressed frustration, stating that it’s complicated to find.
It’s actually true because WhatsApp did not create a different button for ‘’Channels’’. Hence, we’ll show you how to locate this feature on your device.
- First of all, update to the latest version of WhatsApp from your App Store or Google Play Store.
- Then launch it and click the ‘’Updates’’ tab at the top of your screen.
- The tab was formerly Status, but it has been replaced with Updates.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page to locate ”Channels”.
- You will see some channels displayed that you can follow. Each channel has a follow button under it. To follow a channel, click the follow button under it.
- If the channel you want to follow isn’t shown, click the ‘’Find channels’’ button. You will see a search bar at the top of your screen. Click on it and enter the name of the channel you want to follow.
- Alternatively, you can tailor your search by using the features displayed under the search bar. You can search by most active, popular, new, and country.
- When you use the search bar to locate a channel, click the + icon next to it to follow it.
By default, WhatsApp displays channels of brands and public figures that are based in your country. Follow your favorite channel and stay updated on topics that matter to you.
How to Create a WhatsApp Channel
If you are a brand owner, you can create a channel on WhatsApp and share updates with your followers. Presently, WhatsApp has made it possible to create channels on any device. That is, you can create a WhatsApp channel on Android, iOS, and desktop.
On Android
- Launch WhatsApp and go to the ‘’Updates’’ section.
- Scroll down and click the plus icon.
- Then select ‘’Create channel’’ from the context menu.
- Tap ‘’Get Started’’.
- Give your channel a name. You can change the name anytime you like.
- You can decide to customize your channel by adding a description to it to help your followers understand what the channel is about.
- You can also add an icon to make it unique.
- Then tap the ‘’Create channel’’ button to complete the set-up.
On iPhone
- Launch WhatsApp and go to the ‘’Updates’’ section.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the plus icon next to Channels.
- Select ‘’Create Channel’’ from the options displayed.
- Then a dialog box will pop up; click ‘’Agree and Continue’’.
- Enter your channel name in the first field and tap the ‘’Create Channel’’ button. You can, however, add a description to your channel to help your followers understand what it is about.
- At once, your channel will be created. You can share your channel link with your friends to let them follow and engage with your posts.
Via Web
- Visit WhatsApp Web on your desktop.
- Click the ‘’Channels’’ icon. The Channels icon is the third icon from the left.
- Tap ‘’Create Channel”.
- Tap ‘’Continue’’ and follow the prompts.
- Give your channel and name, and add a description if necessary.
- Click the ‘’Create channel’’ button to complete the set-up.
Now that you’ve created a WhatsApp channel, you can keep your followers engaged with your timely updates. You can share photos, videos, or texts.
FAQs
Can I Respond to Chats on Channels I Follow on WhatsApp?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp Channels do not incorporate a comment section for followers, meaning you can’t comment. However, you can react to posts.
Who Can See the Channels I Follow?
WhatsApp Channels comes with a privacy feature for your profile and phone number, which means nobody can see the channels you follow unless they are the channel admin.
I Don’t Have Channels on My WhatsApp, When Will I Get it?
WhatsApp Channels is being rolled out globally, and it will definitely reach everyone. If you’re yet to see the Channels feature on your WhatsApp, exercise patience and make sure your app is up-to-date.
How Can I Unfollow a WhatsApp Channel?
If you follow a channel and you don’t like the content the admin is posting, you can unfollow the channel so as not to see their updates. To unfollow a channel,
- Open WhatsApp on your device and go to ‘’Updates.”
- Click on the channel.
- Tap the menu icon at the top right of your screen and select ‘’Unfollow’’ from the option displayed.
- WhatsApp will ask you if you’re sure that you want to unfollow the channel. Tap the ‘’Unfollow’’ option to confirm.
There you have it! You’ve unfollowed the channel. For you to know if you’ve followed a particular channel, you’ll see a follow button replacing the notification button and the menu icon next to the channel’s name and number of followers.