WhatsApp Working On Channel Forwarding Feature (Image: Unsplash)

Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly working on a forwarding messaging feature for Channels on both iOS and Android platforms. WABetaInfo reported that the messaging platform will provide channel owners with the ability to forward supported messages from other conversations to channels. This includes text messages, images, videos, GIFs, audio messages, and updates from other channels.

Currently, users are not able to forward messages to WhatsApp Channels directly. WABetaInfo reported that with the new feature, which aims to improve the user experience, channel owners will be able to experiment with an enhanced communication experience by forwarding messages from various sources directly to their channels. The new feature is spotted on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.17 update.
However, it is still in the early stages of development. It is expected to be available in a future update of the app. The message forwarding feature will enable the channel followers to stay informed and engaged with different range of content.

On November 15, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that WhatsApp Channels had surpassed the 500 million monthly active users milestone. The messaging platform unveiled the Channels feature in June 2023 and registered 500 million monthly active users within seven weeks of launch. The Channel feature, which is mainly useful for content creators and business owners, was rolled out in more than 150 countries, including India, in September. Channels are a one-way broadcast option for admins to send text, photos, videos, and polls. WhatsApp says that Channel is a reliable and private way to receive major updates from people and organizations right within the platform.