WhatsApp, after successfully launching its “channels” feature in Singapore and Colombia, is now rolling out this latest offering to several other countries for users with the latest version of WhatsApp across iOS, Android, and Desktop platforms.
Through an official announcement on Twitter, WhatsApp revealed that channels are now accessible in additional countries, including Egypt, Chile, Malaysia, Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya, and Peru.
👋 hey friends in 🇪🇬 🇨🇱 🇲🇾 🇲🇦 🇺🇦 🇰🇪 🇵🇪
WhatsApp Channels is now rolling out for you. Find, share and follow Channels that interest you 📲
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) July 24, 2023
To check if this feature is available for your WhatsApp account, simply update the application. If you find the “Updates” tab upon opening the app, it means you can start using channels right away on WhatsApp for iOS, Android, and Desktop apps.
For users living in countries not mentioned in the list, the rollout date for Channels remains uncertain. However, WhatsApp has been progressively introducing the feature to more countries at least once a month, hinting at the possibility of its arrival in other regions soon.
If you’re unfamiliar with Channels, this distinct feature allows users to follow their preferred channels, separate from regular chats. Channel admins have the ability to share a variety of content, including text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls with their followers. It enables users to receive updates on various topics, from hobbies and sports teams to local news from authorities.
Privacy remains a priority, as WhatsApp conceals the phone numbers and profile photos of channel admins from followers. Similarly, the phone numbers of followers are not visible to admins, ensuring a private broadcasting experience.
Additionally, admins have control over their channels, being able to block screenshots and forwards, keep channels hidden, or make them discoverable.
While Channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp is considering the possibility of introducing limited-audience end-to-end encrypted Channels in the future, particularly for non-profits or health institutions.
WhatsApp users in the newly added countries can now enjoy this engaging and private tool for broadcasting information across various interests and topics. As the feature continues to expand, WhatsApp enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the day when Channels will become available in their respective regions.
