WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.14.6.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is releasing a feature to create channels in Singapore and Colombia, and it is available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Create channel |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.14.6 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature by installing the previous update of the app. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers in Singapore and Colombia, and it’s rolling out to even more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Erik Sevilla, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Windows gets a feature to create video calls up to 32 people! |
CREATE CHANNEL
Three weeks ago, we published an article regarding a new announcement shared by WhatsApp: channels. With channels, it’s possible to reach unlimited followers by broadcasting a variety of content such as text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls with them. The feature was released to some users in Singapore and Colombia so that they could follow some verified organizations that helped WhatsApp refine the user experience, but it was not possible for standard users to create a channel. Finally, after installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.14.6 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, some beta testers may be able to create a channel!
If you live in Singapore and Colombia and you want to discover if you can already create a channel, you need to tap the plus icon next to the “Channels” title within the Updates tab. If the feature is enabled for your account, you should see a new option that will allow you to create a channel. At the moment, it is needed to provide a name and a description when creating a channel, and the ability to choose a username will be available in the future.
The introduction screen appears when you attempt to create a channel and provides us with some important information:
- It’s possible to reach unlimited followers. The most popular channel on WhatsApp is NoticiasRCN.
- Anyone can discover your channel as they are public. The channel history is also public so they can see some previous messages shared within the channel, up to 30 days of history.
- Your phone number, profile photo, and name aren’t shown to followers.
- You’re responsible for your channel so you need to comply with their guidelines.
The ability to create channels is rolling out to some beta testers in Singapore and Colombia that install the latest update of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it’s rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on Twitter where you can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
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