WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.17: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.24.17.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to create a username for channels, and it will be available in a future update of the app!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Channel username |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a username feature to channels, for a future update of the app. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development so it's not ready for beta testers, but you can discover a preview in this article. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.16: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to search messages by date! |
CHANNEL USERNAME
In our first article regarding channels, initially referred to as newsletters, we announced that this private broadcast tool would have supported handles to allow users to easily search and follow channels. Unfortunately, the handle support was not accessible during the initial launch, leading to some confusion among users. However, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.17 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to associate a username with channels!
As you can see in this attached screenshot, WhatsApp is working on introducing handle support for channels, for a future update of the app. This also means that it will be possible to open specific channels by using their usernames. The update is expected to include additional functionalities for channels, such as a personalized channel link based on their current username, making it even more convenient for channel owners and followers to share and discover their favorite channels. In addition, WhatsApp has still plans to replace the green verification badge with a blue checkmark for verified channels and businesses in the future, as announced in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.18 update.
We believe that this feature brings important advantages to the user experience. Users will be able to share channel information more consistently by using usernames, since this finally eliminates the need to share complex channel links. In addition, channels can establish a more recognizable presence by having a unique username. We think that this is especially beneficial for anyone who want to build a distinct identity and make its channel easily accessible. It's important to note that WhatsApp is also developing a feature to allow users to choose a username for their WhatsApp profile, as announced in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update. We can also confirm that WhatsApp still intends to roll out this feature in the future.
The feature to create a username for channels is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. As always, we are going to share a new article when we have further details about this feature.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X where you can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.