WhatsApp has been doing some serious updates recently adding many new features to their instant messaging app. We got some reports lastly that WhatsApp was working to bring the “Channels” feature to the app.
Channels are one of the key features of Telegram and have been around for a long time. WhatsApp getting this feature might mean a big challenge for Telegram.
Now, we are getting a confirmation from WABetaInfo that WhatsApp is currently in the process of developing the “Channels” feature. Along with this, the company plans to introduce 12 new features to enhance the functionality of Channels. As part of these developments, WhatsApp will be replacing the Status tab with an “Update” tab, where users will find both Status and Channels. Notably, Channels offer a privacy advantage by keeping users’ information hidden, ensuring that neither the channel members nor the creator can view their phone numbers.
Although WhatsApp Channels are still in the development phase, a recent Android Beta update has shed light on additional details. WhatsApp Channels will introduce a conversation interface with a full-width design. This interface is reminiscent of the one found in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 23.7.0.70 ↗. Initially, this interface will be implemented in the community announcement group. iOS users can access it by installing the beta version through the TestFlight app.
The update has unveiled the key new features that will be included in WhatsApp Channels. Let’s delve into each of these features below.
Features of the channels feature for WhatsApp
1- WhatsApp Channels can be verified like other social media platforms, indicated by a green checkmark. The process for requesting verification is unclear, but official FAQs may be provided later.
2- Channels will display the number of followers, with an approximation for channels with a large following (e.g., 1.5k for 1,548 followers).
3- To control notifications from channels, WhatsApp has added a mute shortcut button located in the channel’s header area.
4- Each channel will have its own handle just like we have on Telegram, enabling users to search for channels using their respective handles.
5- In addition to the approximate follower count, users will have the ability to view the exact number of followers for each channel. This information will be displayed in the channel info section.
6- WhatsApp Channels will feature three main shortcut buttons, namely unfollow, forward, and share, enhancing the user experience. These shortcuts will be accessible in the channel info section.
7- Channel creators can provide additional information about the channel through the channel description, which can be found in the channel info screen.
8- Apart from the mute button in the channel info, there will be an additional toggle for quickly muting and unmuting channel notifications.
9- The channel creator can set the visibility of the channel as either public or private. Public channels can be searched and joined using their handle, while private channels require an invitation to join.
10- WhatsApp Channels will ensure the privacy and security of users. Joining a channel keeps your data anonymous, and other members cannot see your presence. Users can report channels if they encounter any issues, and the moderation team will suspend channels that violate the terms of use, resulting in the removal of access and deletion of messages.
WhatsApp aims to provide all necessary features in Channels prior to its release to ensure a positive user experience and prioritize security and privacy.
Channels will be a highly useful feature, fulfilling the needs of many WhatsApp users. Platforms like Telegram have already implemented similar features, and Channels have been a significant driver for Telegram ↗‘s popularity. WhatsApp’s implementation of Channels indicates their awareness of users’ interest in such functionality and their commitment to meeting user demands.
Having the feature is not the real question; it is about how WhatsApp implements it. While the current features are impressive, they may not be enough to lure users away from Telegram. This release is a stepping stone for WhatsApp, and more features will likely be added in the future.
