WhatsApp, the popular messaging service, has introduced a new feature called Channels. This feature allows organizations and individuals to communicate one-way and send texts, photos, videos and polls to a community. Unlike private messages on WhatsApp, these channels are not end-to-end encrypted. This is intended to reach the widest possible audience.
Channels: a new tab in the WhatsApp app
The Channels feature will be found in its own tab called “News” in the WhatsApp app. This tab is separate from chats with friends and family, and also from existing Communities. Unlike the communities, where every participant can write, the channels only allow one-way communication. The target audience of this feature are companies, organizations and individuals who want to reach a large number of people.
Public Directory and Privacy
The Channels feature includes a public directory where users can search for hobbies, favorite teams or specific people and companies. Channel operators cannot see members’ profile photos or phone numbers. Similarly, members cannot see any phone number of the operator’s associated account. It is also not visible who is following whom.
Automatic deletion of messages and monetization options
A special feature of the Channels function is that messages disappear automatically after 30 days. This applies to both users and WhatsApp’s servers. Channel operators have the option to block screenshots and forwards and to restrict who can follow their channel. In the future, there will also be opportunities to earn money with the channels, for example, by advertising certain channels in the directory.
First channels and future plans
Initially, channels from selected organizations in Singapore and Colombia will be available. More channels and countries are planned to follow in the future. It remains to be seen how this new feature will be received by users and what impact it will have on the way organizations and individuals communicate via WhatsApp.
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