Just like Telegram and Instagram, Meta is now working on a broadcasting channels feature for WhatsApp. It will reportedly be known as 'Channels'. Here's what we know so far.
WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, has been working to cater to bigger groups on the messaging app. It earlier allowed 1,024 members in a WhatsApp group and even created the 'Communities' feature. Now, to entertain a larger audience 'Channels' is under construction.
According to rumours online, it will be similar to broadcasting channels as seen on Telegram and Instagram. This will allow several groups with similar interests to come together. A WABetaInfo report suggests that it is being developed for both Android and iOS.
This new feature will be located under the ‘Status’ tab on WhatsApp, as suggested by a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo. The Status and Channels will be available together and the tab will be known as 'Updates'.
On this new tab, you will be able to locate the Channels you've subscribed to and even search for different ones.
As you might have seen with Instagram and Telegram, this broadcasting tool can be based on different topics. So, WhatsApp users can subscribe to a Channel that they are interested in to receive information.
But, only the admins and those who've been invited to the Channel by the admins will receive the messages sent on a particular Channel. However, people can still react, and vote in polls on these Channels.
However, since this is a more public feature, end-to-end encryption may not be available for messages sent on Channels. But WABetaInfo reveals that this won't compromise on end-to-end encryption WhatsApp chats.
There's no official communication related to the release date of this new feature, so we will have to wait.