WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps, is rolling out several new tools to make its one-way broadcasting feature – Channels – more engaging for users and channel admins.
WhatsApp Roll Out More Features On Channels
Making the announcement on Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that the Channels would receive new features such as voice notes, polls, adding up to 15 additional admins. In addition, users can now even share Channel updates as their status.
“We’re announcing a bunch of new features for WA channels, including voice notes, multiple admins, and sharing to status and polls, which is great because I need help settling a debate,” Zuckerberg said on his WhatsApp Channel, along with a poll asking users to vote on the ‘best game of all time’.
For those unaware, WhatsApp Channels are a new private way to receive important updates from people and organizations right within WhatsApp and are separate from your private chats.
Channels were globally rolled out to over 150 countries in September 2023, and it surpassed 500 million monthly active users within the first seven weeks of its launch, claimed Zuckerberg in a Channels message last year.
Let’s have a look at the new features rolled out to WhatsApp Channels:
Voice Updates: With over 7 billion voice messages sent daily on WhatsApp, voice updates are a notable feature that has been added to Channels. This feature will allow Channel admins to send voice updates as a new way to communicate better and engage with their followers more personally.
Polls: To increase user engagement, WhatsApp Channel admins can create and share polls for their followers to determine their opinion on a particular topic, know their preferences, collect feedback on a new idea, encourage discussion and debate within the channel, or know the members better.
Share to Status: With Share to Status, Channel admins can now share fascinating updates on their personal WhatsApp status, thereby informing people about their Channel activities. This feature allows them to seamlessly promote greater visibility and reach.
Multiple Admins: WhatsApp’s Channels feature initially allowed only one admin per channel. However, Channel owners can now add up to 16 admins per channel, making it easier to delegate tasks and inform people about the latest updates.
WhatsApp is rolling out these new features across Android, iOS, and the Web and should reach everyone gradually over the coming weeks.