Meta introduces Channels feature on WhatsApp for broadcast service
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Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) on Thursday introduced WhatsApp Channels which the social media company said would help it build the most private broadcast service available.
WhatsApp said in a blog post that it is building Channels in a new tab called Updates â where users find Status and channels they will choose to follow.
Channels will be a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.
To select channels to follow, the company is developing a searchable directory where the user can find hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, among other things. User can also get to a channel from invite links sent in chats, e-mail or posted online, according to the company.
WhatsApp noted that Channels will first be available to global voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore. Over the coming months, the tool will be brought to more countries and the ability for anyone to create a channel.
The channel admin's phone number and profile photo will not be shown to followers. Likewise, following a channel will not reveal the user's phone number to the admin or other followers. Who a person decides to follow would be private, according to the company.
WhatsApp said channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default. In some cases where end-to-end encrypted channels to a limited audience may make sense, such as a non profit or health organization, the company is exploring this as a future option.
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