Tag: channels

  • Four new features introduced by WhatsApp for Channels

    Four new features introduced by WhatsApp for Channels

    WhatsApp Upgrades Channels Feature for Better User Experience

    WhatsApp has recently made significant upgrades to its Channels feature, enhancing the platform's capabilities for brands, celebrities, and public figures to connect with their audience. Launched in late 2023, Channels allows these users to send direct messages to their followers, and now it's even better with four exciting new features.

    Voice Messages for Quick Updates and Interaction

    One of the notable additions to WhatsApp Channels is the ability for channel admins to send voice messages. This feature is ideal for sharing quick updates, providing behind-the-scenes snippets, or simply engaging in conversations with followers. With voice messages, users can communicate more effectively and add a personal touch to their interactions.

    Engage with Followers through Polls

    To further enhance user engagement, Channels has introduced polls. If you're familiar with using polls in WhatsApp groups, you'll appreciate how valuable they can be. Admins can now ask their followers for opinions on various topics, such as new product ideas or preferred content. Polls enable a two-way communication channel, allowing admins to gather feedback and make data-driven decisions.

    Multiple Admins for Efficient Channel Management

    Channels can now have multiple admins, a significant change that brings convenience to big organizations and brands. With multiple admins, it becomes easier to keep channels active and respond promptly to messages. This feature ensures that channels can maintain a high level of engagement and effectively manage their audience interactions.

    Expanded Reach through WhatsApp Status

    The latest update allows followers to share interesting updates from Channels on their own WhatsApp Status. This means that more people will have the opportunity to see and engage with these updates, ultimately helping channels grow their audience. By leveraging the power of followers' networks, Channels can reach a wider audience and increase their visibility.

    These new features have completed the testing phase and will soon be available to all WhatsApp users. While an exact release date has not been announced, it is clear that these enhancements will significantly improve the engagement and interactivity of WhatsApp Channels for both admins and followers.

    With the inclusion of voice messages, polls, multiple admins, and the ability to share updates on WhatsApp Status, WhatsApp is taking significant steps to enhance how people connect and share content on their platform. These upgrades will undoubtedly provide a more immersive and dynamic experience for users, strengthening the bond between brands, celebrities, public figures, and their followers.

  • Channels on WhatsApp are undergoing testing for polls

    Channels on WhatsApp are undergoing testing for polls

    WhatsApp is expanding its feature set once again, this time with the addition of polls in Channels on Android. This new feature was introduced in a recent beta update, version 2.24.2.11, allowing some testers to create polls within Channels. The polls option can be accessed through the paperclip icon in Channel chats and enables users to create questions with up to 12 options.

    Polls in Channels

    The polls icon in Channel chats is displayed in green, which is different from the usual yellow. However, the core functionality of the polls remains consistent. Votes are anonymous, and even the poll creator will not be able to see individual responses. While not all beta testers have access to this feature, its presence suggests that a wider rollout could be on the horizon. Users on the Android beta program who are interested in gauging opinions within their Channels should keep an eye out for the green polls icon.

    Availability and Future Updates

    At the moment, it is uncertain when this feature will be available to all users. As it is still in the early stages, it will undergo further testing and improvements in future beta versions. While the idea of using polls in Channels is exciting, it may take some time before it becomes accessible to everyone.

    Bug Fix for Android Users

    In a separate beta update, version 2.24.2.12, a recent bug fix was addressed for Android users. A previous update had unintentionally caused the display of Status update thumbnails next to contact names to break. However, this new update restores that functionality, bringing back a familiar convenience for users.

    Flurry of Activity from WhatsApp

    These recent developments, along with the beta testing of advanced text formatting and themes on Android, indicate a flurry of activity from WhatsApp at the beginning of 2024. With more features and improvements in the pipeline, the popular messaging app seems determined to keep users engaged and excited for future updates.