WhatsApp has launched its Channels feature in the country. This move is part of a global rollout that was announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The Channels feature was introduced on the platform a few months ago, and offers a private way for users to follow content they are interested in, similar to the functionality provided by Telegram.
Initially, the Channels feature was only available in eight countries including Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, and Ukraine. However, it has now been expanded to 150 more countries worldwide, with Pakistan being one of them.
The Channels feature allows users to broadcast updates and other content in a separate space, akin to Telegram’s channels. It should not be confused with WhatsApp’s existing Broadcast Lists feature, which sends messages separately to everyone on a user’s list. In contrast, Channels provide a public space that can be followed by millions of people.
Mark Zuckerberg himself has created his own channel to share insights, updates, and news related to WhatsApp. Users can find these Channels under the new “Updates” tab on the app’s home screen. This tab also includes Status updates and displays the channels that a user is following.
However, it’s important to note that some features are still being rolled out gradually. For instance, not all users may be able to create their own channels at the moment. Despite this, several Pakistani channels have already been established on the app, including popular ones like Geo News.
To access this new feature, users are advised to update their WhatsApp to the latest version. As the Channels feature continues to roll out globally, it is expected to enhance the user experience by providing a more personalized and engaging way to consume content on the platform.