WhatsApp is introducing public channels for its users. This move comes as a response to the popularity of similar features on Telegram and Discord.
Meta Platforms announced this new feature, which will be made available to users globally. Similar to its competitors, WhatsApp users can subscribe to these public channels to receive text messages, images, videos, and other content from fellow users.
These channels can serve as a communication hub for various groups with shared interests, such as neighborhood residents, school administrators, or fans of celebrities.
However, unlike Telegram and Discord, WhatsApp’s approach to these channels is more one-sided.
Only the channel managers have the authority to broadcast information and content, while other subscribers can respond with emojis or participate in polls.
To ensure that these public channels do not interfere with personal conversations, Meta has designed the app to display the content from subscribed channels in a separate tab.
Users can search for channels and preview their content before deciding to subscribe. A green checkmark next to a channel name indicates that WhatsApp has verified its reliability, a feature particularly useful for business and company channels.
The identity of subscribers to these channels will remain hidden, providing an added layer of privacy for users. While this feature was announced in June 2023, it is not yet available to all users. However, Meta plans to gradually roll out this feature to all WhatsApp users.