Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has started to roll out an advanced search filters feature for channels on both Android and iOS, according to a new report. With two new filters, users can filter channels by country and activity level.
According to a report by a known WhatsApp tipster publication, WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has removed the filter button from the channels screen and replaced it with a new feature that provides users with an advanced search experience.
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Now, users can filter channels to display those from a specific country. Further, they can filter the display results by the most active, popular and newest channels.
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The new filters provide users with a better experience while exploring channels, by allowing them to personalise their channel browsing experience.
Also, this makes sure that users receive updates from channels that are most relevant to their interests and location.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp Channels are currently only available in 9 countries– Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, and Ukraine. However, Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg mentioned during a recent earnings call that the messaging platform will introduce channels to more countries over the year.
Introduced in June, WhatsApp Channels are a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organisations, right within WhatsApp.
According to the company, channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls. Who users decide to follow is their choice and it’s private. Channel followers can not see the admin’s phone number and profile photo. Similarly, following a channel won’t reveal users’ phone number to the admin or other followers. Also, admins can block screenshots and forwards from their channel.
As the aim of WhatsApp Channels is to reach a wide audience, they are not end-to-end encrypted by default.