WhatsApp expands Channels to over 150 countries and adds new features

WhatsApp has recently announced the expansion of its Channels feature to over 150 countries, following a limited rollout a few months ago. The company aims to create “the most private broadcast service available”, inviting thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders to be followed within the app.

Channels are distinct from regular WhatsApp chats, and users' choice of channels to follow remains hidden from other followers. Alongside this global rollout, WhatsApp is introducing an enhanced directory for easier channel discovery, which can be filtered based on your country. Additional features for channels are also being introduced, including a 30-days edit option for channel administrators, reactions, and a forwarding feature.

Looking ahead, WhatsApp plans to introduce a host of other features in the coming months, including the ability for any user to create their own channel.