WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.8: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.1.8.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets channel admins reach out to their contacts with follow requests, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Invite contacts to follow channels |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.8 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may experiment with the same feature by installing the previous update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan and Technical MJ TV, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp for iOS 25.37.74: what's new? WhatsApp is widely rolling out a feature that allows users to display a custom tag in their group chats! |
WhatsApp Launches Testing of Channel Invitation Feature for Android Beta
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.15 update, we announced that a channel invitation feature was under development. With this functionality, users would be able to invite contacts directly from their address book to follow a channel. The feature lets admins send these invitations through a clear in app flow that keeps the process quick. Recipients receive a chat message containing a button that opens the channel so they can follow right away.
It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this functionality with the public, as some beta testers already have access to the channel invitation feature. Today, certain users have reported that they can access a new option that introduces channel invitation tools, giving admins a straightforward way to invite contacts to follow their channels. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets channel admins reach out to their contacts with follow requests!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is introducing a feature that gives channel admins the ability to send invitations to people already saved in their contact list. Some beta testers can now explore this tool, which appears within the channel information panel and offers a practical way to suggest a channel to selected contacts. Once an admin chooses the people to notify, WhatsApp creates a message that arrives in the recipient's chat, complete with a button that opens the channel and allows them to follow it with little effort.
This addition is designed to offer a more direct path for channel growth. Until now, admins had to rely on shared links, the in-app directory, or passive discovery. These methods often make it difficult for smaller channels to reach new followers. By giving admins the possibility to reach individuals who already know them, WhatsApp introduces a more personal layer to channel distribution that can help highlight content that might otherwise remain unnoticed. As a result, this feature makes it easier for channels to gain visibility and attract followers who are more likely to engage.
People who receive these invitations gain a clearer sense of who is recommending the channel, which can make the suggestion feel more reliable. A channel shared by someone familiar often leads to greater curiosity and a higher likelihood of long term interest. Admins, on the other hand, can reach contacts who may already be invested in their work or local community activities, creating an audience that is more inclined to interact with future updates. This direct approach also helps build a stronger initial connection between the channel and its new followers, encouraging ongoing engagement from the start.
The option to invite contacts can also streamline the creation of a channel's initial follower base, especially for new channels that need early visibility. Admins can review their list of contacts and focus on contacts who may genuinely appreciate the channel's content, helping to form a foundation of followers who are more inclined to engage. This approach can speed up the early stages of growth and help channels become active sooner. It also allows admins to prioritize reaching out to contacts most likely to interact, making the early community more engaged and responsive.
The invitation feature is currently available to a limited group of testers on Android, giving WhatsApp the chance to observe real usage before pushing it to a wider audience. Testing in smaller waves allows the development team to adjust the interface, check the message delivery flow, and confirm that the invitation process works smoothly. Once these checks are complete, the feature will extend to more users in later updates, making it easier for admins to promote their channels using familiar contacts.
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