WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services in the world with over two billion users. To provide even more ways to get information and talk, WhatsApp recently introduced a new feature: Channels. What are channels and how can you use them? More on this in the following post.
What are channels?
The channels represent an expansion of the functionality of Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp and offer the opportunity to create public group rooms that differ significantly from traditional, private group chats. These specialized, public groups are created by organizations, clubs, companies or public figures. The goal is to provide a platform on which you can share targeted content with your following or people interested in a specific topic.
The content can range from text messages and images to videos and web links. These can range in subject matter from sport and health to art and technology. The possibilities are practically limitless and can be completely adapted to the respective target group.
Subscribers receive all this information directly within the WhatsApp application, for which a separate tab called “Current” has been set up, which has replaced the previous “Status” area. This allows users to access the content of the channels without their personal chats and calls being disturbed by new messages from the channels. The channels work like a kind of digital newsletter or like an interactive magazine, which you can receive conveniently and without having to switch to another app or platform.
How to subscribe to channels?
To use WhatsApp’s channels feature, it is necessary to install the latest version of the app that supports this feature. There are then different methods to subscribe to a channel: You can scan a QR code provided by the channel operator or click on a specific link that leads directly to the desired channel. Within the app it is also possible to search for specific channels using the magnifying glass symbol or to display a list of popular or recommended channels. As soon as a suitable channel has been found, you can subscribe to it by clicking on the “Follow” button and from then on you will receive the latest updates from this channel.
How to interact with channels?
The interaction options with channels in WhatsApp are deliberately limited in order to promote a more one-sided form of communication. In concrete terms, this means that subscribers usually do not have the option to respond directly to the published content or to send messages to the channel administrators. Nevertheless, certain forms of interaction are intended: For example, users can react to individual content with emojis or take part in special surveys initiated by the channel operators.
It is also possible to share content with your own contacts, provided this option has not been deactivated by the channel operator. When it comes to data protection and privacy, it should be noted that the channel operator’s phone number is not visible to subscribers. It is also not revealed which people follow a particular channel.
What are the advantages of channels?
The introduction of channels in WhatsApp offers benefits for both operators and subscribers. For operators, this function opens up an efficient method of increasing their own reach and directly addressing the target group without having to resort to external platforms. Additionally, the feature offers operators the flexibility to design and customize their content as they see fit. It is also possible to collect feedback from subscribers through certain forms of interaction such as surveys.
For users, the channel feature provides a simple and straightforward way to learn about a wide range of topics or find entertainment that matches their interests or passions. With a variety of channels available, they can be selective and subscribe to only those channels that meet their personal preferences or information needs. If a channel no longer meets your expectations or interests, you can unfollow this channel at any time.
What examples of channels are there?
WhatsApp already has a wide range of channels covering a variety of subject areas. For example, there are channels from renowned sports teams such as Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund that regularly provide their fan base with the latest news, detailed match reports or exclusive insights behind the scenes.
In addition, entertainment companies such as Netflix and Sony also offer their own channels. These serve to entertain subscribers with a mixture of trailers, interviews and occasional competitions.
The channels of organizations with a social or political focus such as Greenpeace or Amnesty International cannot be overlooked. They use the platform to provide their followers with comprehensive information about ongoing campaigns, planned actions and current petitions.
There are also channels from prominent public figures, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Greta Thunberg. In these channels, people share their thoughts, opinions and experiences on various topics with a wider audience who are either already fans or have a specific interest in the content published.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net
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