WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, has introduced its latest feature, WhatsApp Channels, in over 150 countries, including Sierra Leone.
According to Meta, Channels provide a simple, reliable, and private way for users to receive important updates from individuals and organizations, all within the WhatsApp platform.
In a recent blog post, Meta stated, "We aim to create the most private broadcast service possible. This begins by safeguarding the personal information of both administrators and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo remain confidential and are not displayed to followers. Similarly, when you follow a channel, your phone number is not revealed to the admin or other followers. The choice of whom to follow remains entirely private. Similar to our approach with messaging, we believe that Channel updates should not linger indefinitely. Therefore, we will only store channel history on our servers for up to 30 days, and we will introduce features to make updates disappear even faster from followers' devices. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel."
What Are WhatsApp Channels?
WhatsApp Channels serve as a one-way broadcasting tool for administrators to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. You can access channels in a new tab called "Updates" on WhatsApp, separate from your personal chats with friends, family, and communities.
Key Features of WhatsApp Channels
As per Meta, here are the three main features of WhatsApp channels:
1. Enhanced Directory: Channels are categorized automatically based on your country, making it easy for you to find and follow relevant channels. You can also explore new, active, and popular channels based on follower counts.
2. Reactions: Users can express their feedback using emojis, and the total number of reactions is displayed. Your specific reaction is kept private from followers.
3. Forwarding: When you forward an update to chats or groups, it includes a link back to the channel, allowing others to learn more.
How to Join the Hamza Blog SL WhatsApp Channel
To join the Hamza Blog SL WhatsApp channel, follow these steps:
1. Open WhatsApp on your Android or iOS device and navigate to the "Updates" tab.
2. Select "Find Channel" and search for "Hamza Blog SL."
3. You'll find the Hamza Blog SL channel available for you to follow.
4. Alternatively, you can follow the Hamza Blog SL channel on WhatsApp by clicking this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAeCsABFLgdHFnNJk0C