WhatsApp Channels feature launches in India: Here’s how to create your own channels

With the release of version 2.23.17.80, WhatsApp has added the eagerly awaited 'WhatsApp Channels' feature to India and more than 150 other countries. This significant development, brought to you by parent company Meta Platforms, is poised to reshape how users access meaningful updates. This feature allows users to receive private updates from various organisations, celebrities, sports teams, artists etc.

What are WhatsApp Channels?

WhatsApp Channels represent a novel way for people to stay informed privately. These channels serve as a one-way broadcast tool, empowering administrators to share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls with their audience.

Applications of WhatsApp Channels

WhatsApp Channels provide users access to a private channel for getting updates that are important to them, whether they are in India or elsewhere in the globe. These updates are provided independently from private discussions and are straight from the channel admins.

This feature not only enhances privacy but also streamlines the flow of valuable updates from various sources, making it easier for users to stay informed about topics that matter most to them.

Key features of WhatsApp Channels

- Nation updates: Easily discover channels tailored to your country, including popular, active, and new channels.

- Reactions: Express your feedback with emojis and see the overall reaction count, keeping your emoji choices private.

- Modifications: Administrators will soon have a 30-day opportunity to make modifications to their updates before WhatsApp's servers automatically delete them.

- Link sourcing: Channels can include links for users to explore channel details and follow.

How to create WhatsApp Channels?

For WhatsApp web:

- Click on the Channels icon

- Select ‘Create channel’

- Click ‘Continue’ and follow onscreen instructions

- Furthermore provide a channel name

-Customise your channel with a description and icon

- Click ‘Create channel,’ and you're good to go

For WhatsApp mobile app:

-Open WhatsApp on your phone

- Go to the Updates tab

-Tap the plus icon (+) and choose ‘New channel’

- Follow onscreen prompts, provide a channel name

-Personalise your channel with a description and icon

-Tap 'Create channel,' in order to active the feature

It must be noted that WhatsApp Channels are gradually being introduced and may not be accessible to everyone right away. Some functionalities, like channel creation, might be limited to certain users currently but will be made available to all users soon.