WhatsApp Introduces Channels to Challenge Telegram's Dominance

Politics, News Sept. 15, 2023, 4:10 a.m.

WhatsApp launches Channels in 150 countries to rival Telegram. Users can share updates, join channels via invite links, and react to messages. Messages last 30 days but lack end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp is taking a significant step to compete with Telegram's Channels feature, as it introduces WhatsApp Channels in 150 countries. This new functionality empowers users to disseminate updates and information to a wider WhatsApp audience. A directory allows easy channel discovery, and users can also engage with messages from channel owners.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, personally announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels on his channel, offering users a direct source for platform updates. WhatsApp users can refine channel choices based on factors such as follower count and activity level. To maintain privacy, users require a valid invite link to join a channel, with no disclosure of the owner's phone number.

Messages within WhatsApp Channels will be accessible for 30 days, although members can only react to messages, not respond. It's important to note that these messages lack end-to-end encryption for enhanced visibility. WhatsApp has leveraged celebrity collaborations to promote this feature.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is enhancing user interactions by introducing a variety of emojis for reactions. While reactions remain private to individual users, the number and type of reactions are visible to others. The rollout of WhatsApp Channels is gradual and will become available to all users in the coming months.