Key Takeaways
- You can find and follow WhatsApp channels by going to the Updates tab, searching for a specific channel, and selecting the "+" icon to follow it.
- If you're a creator, you can make your own WhatsApp channel by going to the Updates tab, selecting the "+" icon, and choosing "Create Channel." You can customize the channel's name, description, and icon.
WhatsApp started to rolling out a new feature called channels in September 2023. The feature allows you to get private updates from any channel you follow. You can even create your own WhatsApp channels and share updates with your followers.
What Are Channels on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp's new channel feature adds a new way to keep up to date with news that matters to you. According to Meta, "Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls."
The new feature introduces an enhanced directory that will allow you to follow different celebrities, sports teams, artists, creators, news sources, specialized communities, and more. The directory is automatically filtered based on your country. However, you're also be able to sort channels by location, new arrivals, most activity, and popularity based on follower count.
After following a channel, you can access it directly in the Updates tab. Both followers and non-followers are able to see updates from the past 30 days, after which updates will be automatically deleted from WhatsApp servers. Channel admins will also have the ability to edit a post for that duration.
You're also able to react to an update using emojis. How you react will not be shown to other followers. All followers can also forward a post to all of their contacts and group chats.
WhatsApp Channels, at the time of writing, have begun rolling out, but it isn’t available to everyone yet. New features will roll out gradually to all users, so make sure to keep your app updated. After getting the update, you might be able to join a channel but not create one. To get access to this feature you might have to wait a little longer.
How to Find and Follow WhatsApp Channels
Open WhatsApp on your smartphone and go to the Updates tab. Scroll down the Updates tab and select "Find Channels." (If you are using this feature for the first time, it will be located below the status of all your contacts.)
WhatsApp will now give you a list of the most popular WhatsApp channels in your country. You can use the search icon to look for a specific channel and press the "+" icon in front of a channel to follow it.
You can sort these channels based by most active, popular, new, and country. Tap on the country option to change and look at the most popular channels in that region.
Once you follow a channel you can see it in the Updates tab. You can go back to the channel directory by tapping on the "+" icon and selecting "Find Channels" or by pressing "See All".
To get notified about new updates, you can turn on notifications for each channel. Open the channel and press the bell icon in the top right corner to get notified when a post goes live.
How to Create a WhatsApp Channel
If you happen to be a creator yourself, you can easily make your own channel, assuming you've been given access to the feature.
Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to the Updates tab. Scroll down to Channels, press the "+" icon and select "Create Channel". After that, press "Continue" on the onscreen prompt.
Give your channel a name, and you're done. You can also change the name of the channel at any point (though it's limited to 100 characters). If you want to change the name, go to Updates > Your Channel > Channel name > Three-dot Menu > Edit. If you have an iPhone, you can change the name by going to Updates > Your Channel > Channel name > Edit.
How to Edit Your WhatsApp Channel Description
WhatsApp channels can also be customized by adding a description and icon. To customize the description of your WhatsApp Channel, go to Updates > Your Channel > Channel Name > Three-dot Menu > Edit. Tap on the channel description box under the Channel name. Now you can add a description to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
How to Edit Your WhatsApp Channel Icon
You can also add a channel icon by going to Updates > Your Channel > Channel Name > Three-dot Menu > Edit. Tap on the current channel icon or placeholder image and select the pencil icon to add a new image. If you don't want to use an image you can select an emoji or sticker as an icon.
How to Share a WhatsApp Channel Link
Once you're set up, share the link to your channel with your friends and family. Go to the Updates tab and scroll down to Channels. Click on any channel, and then tap on the channel name. Select "Forward" or "Share" to send the link for joining the channel via messages, status, or through other apps.
You can use the channel to share your daily updates or something interesting you found online. You can stay the sole poster as the creator of the channel (the original admin), or you can assign other people as admins to allow them to post on your behalf.
You can also use this channel as your own personal timeline with the added benefit of updates getting automatically deleted after 30 days. You might prefer it over groups, as you have complete control over what is posted on the channel.
Are WhatsApp Channels Private?
If you're concerned about your privacy when following channels, know that WhatsApp's new feature will let you follow channels without sharing your phone number with the admin or other followers.
If you're a creator, keep in mind that WhatsApp will only store 30 days's worth of channel history. Both followers and non-followers will be able to see the entire channel update history. However, you as the admin also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from your channel. You can also decide who can follow their channel and whether it can be discoverable in the directory or not.