Today we have launched WhatsApp Channels in India and will deliver a private way for people to receive updates that matter to them. We’re also welcoming some of your favourite celebrities, sports teams, artists, creators, thought leaders that people can follow, right within WhatsApp. 

Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp – where you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow – separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities.

Our partners are equally excited to create their WhatsApp Channels and connect with their followers. 

“I am delighted to collaborate with WhatsApp for the launch of WhatsApp Channels. This platform provides me with an exciting opportunity to connect with those who are interested in various aspects of my life, be it my work in the film industry or my ventures in the business world, all of which I am deeply passionate about. WhatsApp Channels serves as a personalized newsletter through which I can share insights and updates with my dedicated audience, fans, and all those who have consistently shown their support throughout my journey.” – Katrina Kaif 

“WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls, not just with people close to me but my larger extended community. Who knows the next time I’m performing at Coachella or go on tour, people on my WhatsApp Channel will be the first to know.” – Diljit Dosanjh

“I am launching my Channel on WhatsApp today. Excited to share some great sneak peeks, exclusive behind-the-scenes content with my boys and girls across the country. And the best part is that it’s as simple as sending a message.” – Vijay Deverakonda

The Indian Cricket Team has also launched their WhatsApp Channel, as the country and Indians all over the world gear up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. 

“The Indian Cricket Team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news around match schedules, timings, scorecards etc. Get on WhatsApp channels and never miss out on updates from on and off the field.” – BCCI 

 

Key Features That Will Help You Get Started On WhatsApp Channels 

• Enhanced Directory: where you can find channels to follow that are automatically filtered based on your country. You can also view channels that are new, most active, and popular based on the number of followers.
• Reactions: you can react using emojis to give feedback and see a count of total reactions. How you react will not be shown to followers. 
• Forwarding: whenever you forward an Update to chats or groups it will include a link back to the channel so people can find out more.

We’ve Built Channels Keeping Privacy In Mind 

Our goal is to build the most private broadcast service available. This starts by protecting the personal information of both admins and followers. Following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it’s private.

We don’t believe Channel updates should have to stick around forever. So, we’ll only store channel history on our servers for up to 30 days. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel. 

We’ll also make it possible for admins to decide who can follow their channel and whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not.

This is just the beginning, and we’ll continue to add more features and expand Channels based on feedback we get from users. Over the coming months, we’ll also make it possible for anyone to create a channel. 

If you’re looking to hear about more product updates directly from us, we’ve now also launched the official WhatsApp Channel to keep you up-to-date on what we’re building.