WhatsApp is expanding its Channels feature to more users. Last week, the Meta-owned messaging app announced that it would expand one-to-many broadcasting to over 150 countries. Channels allow organizations and public figures to send messages to subscribers, similar to channels on Telegram.
Previously, WhatsApp only let a few organizations in Colombia and Singapore try out Channels. Now it’s available in most countries. Users can subscribe to updates from Cuul Geek and other brands they’re interested in. They’ll see posts from those channels appear in their app.
WhatsApp made some improvements to Channels too. People can now filter the channel directory by country. Channels are easier to find since you can sort by newest, most active or popular. Subscribers can also react to posts with emojis like thumbs up or hearts. Channel admins get to edit their past posts for up to 30 days before WhatsApp deletes them.
Famous names are setting up Channels, such as singer Olivia Rodrigo and the MLB baseball league. Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has a channel. More will be added in the months ahead as any user gains the ability to create one.
The expanded rollout means many more WhatsApp users have access to staying informed about their favorite brands and organizations. With new features and high-profile channels, it aims to compete with Telegram’s popular channel feature. People excited to subscribe on WhatsApp can join the waitlist if it’s not live in their country yet.
