On WhatsApp, Channels messages will show up in a new tab called Updates. It’s a departure from Meta’s approach on Instagram, where channel announcements are communicated via direct messages.
On WhatsApp, Meta is focusing on facilitating channels for use by entities such as NGOs, medical research institutions and fact-checking bodies, as opposed to individual creators.
Admins can send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls on these channels, Meta said. Notably, these are one-way conversations, so users won’t be able to reply to those messages. While users can join channels through an invite link, WhatsApp is also building a directory to find different channels for hobbies, sports teams and local officials.
Meta is launching Channels in select markets — Colombia and Singapore
With early adopters such as Singapore Heart Foundation and fact-checker Colombia Check
WABetaInfo notes that tapping on the Channels-related pop-up menu will sign you up for the notifications and will alert you when the feature is available for you. In case you aren’t excited about Channels, you can select the Dismiss option.