 "WhatsApp introduces Channels for instant celebrity and news updates")
Messaging platform WhatsApp today announced the launch of Channels—a one way broadcast tool to receive updates about celebrities and organisations. Launched in 150 countries including India, Channels has signed up with the Indian Cricket team, actors Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, Vijay Deverakonda and many others.
Meta owned WhatsApp also said that thousands of organsiations, artists, sports team and though leaders have joined Channels. Mark Zuckerberg annonced the news on his WhatsApp Channel, "“Excited to introduce you all to WhatsApp Channels, a new private way for you to get updates from people and organizations you follow. I'm starting this channel to share Meta news and updates. Looking forward to connecting with you all around the world.”
For those who like to get instant news and updates on their favourite artists, sportsperson or personalities, Channel will be the platform which will give instant and latest update.
In June, Meta first introduced Channels on WhatsApp to users in Colombia and Singapore. In July, it expanded this feature to seven more countries. Ine June, Meta had rolled Channels on Instagram globally.
Channels will be separate from chats, users will choose whom they want to follow and who can see them. WhatsApp also said that the user details like number and pics will not be shared with the Channels they are following. The only case when the users name and number will be visible on a Channel is if the user already is in the contact list of the Channels’ creator.
Also anyone can create Channels without revealing their identity. At present Channels is only restricted to celebrities and personalities but soon anyone can create Channels.
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“We’re building Channels in a new tab called Updates - where you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow - separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities,” said a statement from the company.
WhatsApp blog also clarified that if a user decides not to follow any channels, their existing WhatsApp experience will remain the same. Users can’t be added to a channel without choosing to follow it and they will only see updates for the channels they choose. WhatsApp will not suggest channels based on users’ personal messaging activity, which remains private and end-to-end encrypted. It’s also simple for users to unfollow a channel at any point.
As default the Channels notification are muted.
From a brand engagement point WhatsApp is offering one of the biggest user bases to companies and celebrities to engage with users. When asked by a brand expert what is the relevance of having another platform when there is Instagram, which allows people to make their own platform.
“As a habit, how many times do you check Instagram compared to WhatsApp? Instagram perhaps 10-15 times a day, but WhatsApp is perhaps almost every other minute,” said the senior executive of a marketing firm on condition of anonymity.
BCCI in a statement said: “The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick-off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news around match schedules, timings, scorecards etc.”
“WhatsApp Channels is something I’m personally excited about because now I have a place where I can share important updates about my life and express myself using all the things I love on WhatsApp, like videos, photos or polls, not just with people close to me but my larger extended community. Who knows the next time I’m performing at Coachella or go on tour, people on my WhatsApp Channel will be the first to know.” – Diljit Dosanjh