WhatsApp Unveils New Features For Channels (Image: WhatsApp Blog)

WhatsApp is rolling out new features for WhatsApp Channels, its popular broadcasting tool. The latest Channel features were announced on Wednesday by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The set of updates includes voice notes, the ability to share Channel updates to Status, and a polling feature.

“We’re introducing a bunch of new features for WA channels, including voice notes, multiple admins, sharing to status, and polls, which is great because I need help settling a debate,” said Mark Zuckerberg on his WhatsApp Channel, as quoted by India Today. The Meta Chief has also posted a poll asking for a vote on the ‘best game of all time’. The X handle of WhatsApp has also confirmed the Channel updates.

Channels got some updates 🆕 here’s what you can expect to see soon 👇

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 17, 2024

Voice updates are considered to be the most notable feature of the update. With this feature, Channel admins will now be able to send voice notes to their followers. According to WhatsApp, the messaging platform exchanges seven billion voice notes daily. Voice notes are likely to become a popular communication format for Channels.

Notably, Channel admins will now be able to send out polls to members. By creating polls, Channel admins can directly access their audience’s opinions. Mark Zuckerberg demonstrated this feature while announcing the updates. The polls feature will bring more engagement to WhatsApp Channels. Also, WhatsApp users can now share updates from Channels to their WhatsApp status. For sharing a Channel update, users need to long press on that update, then select ‘Forward,” and then select ‘My Status.

The new update also permits WhatsApp Channels to have up to 16 admins. The Multiple Admins feature is set to enhance communication within Channels. Meta-owned WhatsApp unveiled the Channel feature in June 2023. In November 2023, WhatsApp Channels had surpassed the 500 million monthly active users milestone.