The newly launched WhatsApp channels will now be accessible to its end users.
Channels will enable people and organizations to receive vital updates in an efficient, systematic and private way.
It is built in a new tab called Update under which users will find both Status and Channels to follow.
The Update tab aims to separate users’ chats with family, friends and communities.
The one-way broadcast tool can be used by admins to send texts, photos, videos, stickers and polls.
According to WhatsApp, a searchable directory is built where its users can find hobbies, sports teams, and updates from both local and international officials.
Users can get to a channel from invite links sent in chats, emails or posted online.
The platform seeks to build a private broadcast service by protecting personal information like phone numbers and profile photos of both admins and followers.
“As a channel admin, your phone numbers and profile photo will not be revealed to followers likewise following a channel will not reveal your details to admins or other followers,” WhatsApp said.
Channel admins will be able to decide who can follow their channel and whether they want their channels to be discoverable in the directory or not.
Additionally, admins will be provided with the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channels.
The Channel updates will store channel history on WhatsApp servers for 30 days with more ways expected to make updates disappear quickly from follower’s devices.
According to WhatsApp, Channels will reach a large audience therefore by default will not be end-to-end encrypted.
“Some cases where end-to-end encrypted channels to a limited audience might make sense as a non-profit or health organization and we are exploring this option for future consideration,” WhatsApp said.
Channels will partner up with leading global voices and choose organizations in Colombia and Singapore will be available to build, learn and adopt the experience.
Admins can harness the opportunity by building their businesses around their channels using the expanding payment services.