Meta to Extend WhatsApp Channels to Over 150 Countries

Meta Platforms has announced its plans to expand the availability of WhatsApp Channels to more than 150 countries.

Credits: Reuters

WhatsApp Channels is a broadcast service that allows users to receive private updates from celebrities, sports teams and thought leaders.

This move is part of Meta's strategy to enhance engagement across its social media platforms and position them as central hubs for content creators to interact with their followers. The wider rollout of WhatsApp Channels comes after its successful launch in Colombia and Singapore earlier this year. Concurrently, the Broadcast Channels feature on Instagram was made available globally.

WhatsApp Channels function separately from regular chats and followers' identities are not visible to each other. Meta has stated that users will be able to discover recommended WhatsApp Channels based on their region and popularity. Similar to regular WhatsApp chats, users will also have the option to react to messages in a channel using emojis.

The availability of WhatsApp Channels will be expanded globally in the coming weeks and months. Any user with a WhatsApp account will be able to create their own channel within the app.

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• Meta Platforms is expanding the availability of WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries.

• WhatsApp Channels is a broadcast service that allows users to receive private updates from various sources.

• The wider rollout follows successful launches in Colombia and Singapore.

Source: Reuters