WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows Android and iOS users to share status updates directly within their channels. The update introduces a new way for channel admins to share photos and videos as temporary status posts directly within their channels.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Channel Status |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | The latest WhatsApp updates for Android and iOS are compatible. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some users, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out document sharing with Meta AI on iOS! |
WhatsApp enables channel admins to share time-limited updates
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.16.10.70 update, we announced a feature that lets admins share status updates in their channels. With this feature, channel admins will be able to create a status update directly from the channel interface. After selecting the entry point from the channel screen, admins will be able to choose the image or video they want to share with their audience. The update will expire after 24 hours, so channel followers have enough time to view and interact with it before it automatically disappears.
WhatsApp prepares Channel Status rollout after months of refinement
Although we discovered the feature several months ago while it was under development, WhatsApp has continued working on it behind the scenes. Specifically, WhatsApp focused on refining the feature and improving its stability ahead of the official release. Today, WhatsApp is rolling out the ability to share status updates in channels on iOS and Android.
WhatsApp introduces channel status for select users and channels
With the latest updates, WhatsApp is launching the feature to share status updates to select users and channels. Channel Status works as a broadcast from the channel to its followers rather than sharing a channel update. Like other channel updates, it can be viewed and shared by anyone who has access to the channel content. The feature allows channel admins to quickly distribute timely updates or announcements without sharing a permanent post.
WhatsApp lets channel admins share rich media through temporary content
Channel admins can share photos, videos, layouts, and text through Channel Status. This way, they can keep their followers updated. They can also add captions to include more details alongside the media. So the feature makes it easier for admins to quickly publish short-lived updates directly from the channel interface. However, it's important to note that these updates are temporary. This means that they will disappear after 24 hours. As a result, channel admins can share timely updates with their followers in a temporary format.
How WhatsApp users can share and customize Channel Status updates
To share a Channel Status, users have to open their channel and tap the create status option. Here, they can choose the content they want to publish, for example a photo or video. In the status editor, they can customize the media by adding text, stickers, or other edits before posting. They can also verify which channel the update will be published to, and switch to a different one if needed. However, only one channel can be selected at a time. Once shared, the status becomes visible to all channel followers.
WhatsApp displays channel status updates in the Updates Tab, within the status tray
Status updates shared by channels appear directly in the Status tray within the Updates tab. When a channel shares a new status, it is automatically shown alongside other status updates in the same section. So the content is accessible in a familiar interface, similar to personal status updates. However, only updates from channels that the user follows will be visible in this tray. This makes it simpler for followers to catch up on the updates shared by the channels they follow without opening them individually.
WhatsApp adds label and interaction options to channel status updates
When followers view a channel status, they will see the "Channel Status" label at the top of the interface. The label helps users distinguish it from regular status updates shared by their contacts. Users can also interact with the channel content in different ways. For example, they can share the channel update directly to their own status if they want to pass it along to their contacts. In addition, they can react to the update by sending a like.
WhatsApp is rolling out Channel Status on iOS and Android
The feature that lets admins share status updates in their channels is available to some users who install the latest WhatsApp for iOS update from the App Store. Although the screenshots you see in this post are from WhatsApp for iOS, the same feature is also available to a limited number of users who install the latest update from the Google Play Store. Note that this feature is still not available to everyone. Over the next few weeks, WhatsApp will offer the feature to a larger audience as part of a gradual rollout.
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