WhatsApp keeps working on introducing several enhancements to channels before an official global release in the future. After releasing enhancements regarding the ability to forward updates from channels, WhatsApp is now rolling out an advanced search filters feature for channels. This feature is available after installing the latest updates of WhatsApp for iOS and Android!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Advanced search filters – channels |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | Latest versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android are compatible. |
| I have updated my version of WhatsApp but I don’t have this feature. Why? | WhatsApp is currently rolling out this feature. It will gradually reach everyone over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | IgnacioAF and B_Mwai, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp is rolling out enhanced control for instant video messages feature! |
It seems that WhatsApp keeps working on introducing new features and enhancements for channels, the new broadcast transmission tool that allows everyone to receive updates from the people they want. This feature is currently available only in some countries, but WhatsApp is progressively releasing more features and improvements to ensure an optimal user experience before a broader rollout. In particular, WhatsApp now aims to ensure that users can explore new channels even without knowing their info, and users will be able to do so thanks to the new advanced search filters feature for channels!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp has removed the filter button from the channels screen, replacing it with a new feature that provides users with an advanced search experience. Specifically, users can now filter channels in order to display only those from their own country. In addition, users can further filter the results by showing only the most active, popular, and newest channels. The last two filters were already available in the past, but WhatsApp is making them more accessible with the latest updates.
These new filters provide users with the best experience while exploring new channels. By introducing advanced search filters for channels, users can now easily discover and access channels that better interest them, deleting the need for users to have specific information. In our opinion, the ability to filter channels by country and activity level (most active, popular, and newest) is another important advantage as it allows users to personalize their channel browsing experience. This ensures that they receive updates from channels that are most relevant to their interests and location.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp channels are still only available in 9 countries (Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, and Ukraine). Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific date for the wider release in additional countries. However, as we said in the past, Mark Zuckerberg mentioned that WhatsApp is going to introduce channels to more countries throughout the rest of the year, during a recent earnings call. This means that new users will be able to try out channels very soon. As always, we’ll tell you more in another article when we have new information to share with you.
The advanced search filters feature is available to some users that install the latest update of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store and WhatsApp for Android from the Play Store, and it’s rolling out to more users over the coming days.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on Twitter. 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 Twitter: we love hearing your feedback! If you’re curious to know 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.