WhatsApp, a popular messaging application owned by Meta, has started a global rollout of its ‘Create Channel’ feature. This new function, designed to enhance communication and engagement within the platform, is gradually becoming available to users worldwide. However, not all users have access to this new feature yet due to its phased release. It’s primarily available to business accounts and high-profile individuals, with plans to extend its accessibility to the general user base.

The ‘Create Channel’ feature is designed to allow brands, public figures, and organizations to interact with their audience within WhatsApp while maintaining their phone numbers’ privacy. Users are encouraged to keep their applications updated and vigilantly await the feature’s eventual release. Android users should check for updates on Google Play Store, while iOS users can do the same in the App Store.

Creating a channel on WhatsApp is a user-friendly process for both Android and iOS users. To start, users must navigate to the ‘Updates’ tab and select ‘New channel’ from the menu icon. The onscreen prompts guide users through the process of naming and customizing their channel.

WhatsApp ensures that the service is private, and the personal information of both admins and followers is protected. Following a channel does not reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers, making user privacy a priority. Channel admins have significant control over their channels, such as deciding who can follow them or whether the channel appears in the directory. They can also choose to block screenshots and forwards from their channel.

The primary feature of a WhatsApp channel is one-to-many communication through broadcast messages. However, WhatsApp is adding new interactions such as the ability to react with emojis. Users will be able to see the total count of reactions under the message. Forwarding an update from a channel to a group or an individual will include a link back to the channel, providing a way for more users to discover the channel.