Meta Will Launch WhatsApp Channels in More Than 150 Countries

JAKARTA - Meta Platforms Inc., announced on Wednesday 13 September that they will soon provide access to users in more than 150 countries to WhatsApp Channels. This is, a broadcast service that allows them to receive personal updates from celebrities, sports teams and leading thinkers.

The move comes as Meta seeks to increase engagement across its social media apps, making them a central destination where content creators can interact with their followers.

This wider introduction comes several months after WhatsApp Channels launched in Colombia and Singapore, in June. The Broadcast Channels feature on Instagram is also simultaneously available globally.

On WhatsApp, channels are separate from chats and followers cannot see each other.

Meta says users will be able to see recommended WhatsApp Channels based on region and popularity. Like WhatsApp chats, they will also be able to use emojis to respond to messages within the channel.

WhatsApp Channels will be available globally in the coming weeks and months. Anyone with a WhatsApp account will be able to create channels on the app.