WhatsApp channels will work as a one-way broadcast tool allowing admins to send photos, texts, videos, stickers, and polls.
Facebook parent company Meta (NASDAQ: FB) recently confirmed that it will soon launch its Channels streaming feature for its most popular messaging service, WhatsApp.
Speaking about the development on Thursday, June 8, Meta said the new Channels feature is similar to a “private broadcast service” where individuals and organizations can send messages as well as updates to subscribers who are different from the types of interpersonal communications that occur. between WhatsApp users.
Channels will work as a one-way broadcast tool allowing admins to send photos, texts, videos, stickers, and polls. Additionally, the channels will come with a searchable directory where users can find their hobbies, sports team, updates and more.
Additionally, channel admins will not be able to add subscribers to their channels. They can only store messages for a period of 30 days before being automatically deleted.
Another thing users should note, the channels will not come with end-to-end encryption in order to “reach large audiences”, WhatsApp said. However, the messaging platform added that it may offer end-to-end encrypted channels in the future. But WhatsApp will keep this facility limited to nonprofits or healthcare organizations that need to secure their communications.
WhatsApp will eventually allow users to find the channels they want to join in a searchable directory. Users will be able to access the channels they follow through a new “Updates” tab. WhatsApp said the tab will be “separate from your chats with family, friends and communities”.
Meta to launch channels with various groups
WhatsApp said it was already working with various groups and nonprofits such as Colombia Check and Singapore Heart Foundation to launch Channels. They are planning a wider launch in other parts of the world. In the official blog postWhatsApp noted:
“To launch Channels, we are excited to work with leading global voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where Channels will first be available, to create, learn and adapt the experience. We will bring Channels to more countries and the ability for anyone to create a channel over the next few months.
Eventually, WhatsApp will allow everyone to create a WhatsApp channel. Other launch partners include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization. Meta also said that “there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness”.
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Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and has a good flair for understanding financial markets. His interest in economics and finance draws his attention to the new emerging markets of Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. He is continually in a learning process and motivates himself by sharing his acquired knowledge. In his spare time, he reads thrillers and occasionally explores his cooking skills.
