WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.1.18: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.1.18.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on an optional feature for businesses to add a verified badge to their channels, and it will be available in a future update of the app!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Add verified channel badge |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a feature for businesses to add a verified badge to their 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. |
| Special thanks: | Swakshan, for collaborating, testing and reporting!. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Windows gets a feature to control input and output devices! |
VERIFIED CHANNEL BADGE
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.18 update, we announced that WhatsApp is planning to replace the green verification badge with a blue checkmark for verified channels and businesses. This move would standardize the verification badge color across all Meta apps, as the verification checkmark is blue on both Instagram and Facebook. It seems that WhatsApp keeps working on improving verification for channels, specifically for businesses. In particular, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.1.18 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature for businesses to add a verified badge to their channels!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp is working on a new screen for businesses to allow them to add a verified badge to their channels. It appears that businesses will be able to get a verified badge for their channels by subscribing to Meta Verified. This is not so surprising as we already announced that Mark Zuckerberg recently revealed that the ability for businesses on WhatsApp to subscribe to Meta Verified will be available in the future, which would give them a verification badge for their profile and other advantages. It's important to note that the Meta Verified subscription will be optional and exclusively accessible to businesses. Consequently, the option to add a verified badge to channels will not be extended to individual users and non-business accounts, and the channel information must always align with the corresponding business details to prevent impersonation and misuse of the verification system.
In our opinion, the decision to allow businesses to add a verified badge to their channels through the Meta Verified subscription represents a strategically significant move designed at amplifying business visibility. Through the provision of an official tool for businesses to get the verification badge, WhatsApp not only improves the verification process but also facilitates an enhanced visibility mechanism. Businesses will gain increased prominence through the verification checkmark, indicating authenticity, and it seems they will also be added to the channel directory. This will definitely help businesses boost their credibility and makes them easier to find on the platform, as users can explore the directory to discover them.
The feature to add a verified badge to channels is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. As always, we will publish a new article when we have further information to share with you.
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