What you need to know about WhatsApp channels and flows.

WhatsApp has been a staple in the world of messaging for over a decade, connecting billions of people around the globe. In its latest move, WhatsApp is set to revolutionize the way we consume content and interact with businesses. 

Following the initial launch of the channel creation and the following feature in nine countries, Mark Zuckerberg has just made a significant announcement: WhatsApp is now introducing this feature globally. It's available to users who have updated to the latest versions of WhatsApp on iOS, Android, and Desktop platforms. Let's dive into the details of this exciting new development. 

The Global Rollout:

WhatsApp Channels were initially tested in nine countries, including Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, and Ukraine. The feedback received during this phase was invaluable, helping WhatsApp iron out issues and enhance the user experience. And now, the moment we've all been waiting for – WhatsApp Channels is going global! 

In a recent announcement at the Conversations conference held in Mumbai, WhatsApp introduced a set of transformative features aimed at enhancing the user-business interaction experience.

WhatsApp Flows

Businesses will have the capability to craft adaptable forms that cater to various requirements directly within a WhatsApp conversation. This feature empowers businesses globally to create immersive in-chat experiences, allowing you to perform actions such as scheduling appointments or completing flight check-ins, all within the WhatsApp platform, without the need to exit the app.

Simplified Payments in India

For Indian users, WhatsApp is taking convenience to the next level. You'll soon have the ability to make payments to businesses effortlessly with Razorpay and PayU! Whether you prefer UPI apps, debit cards, credit cards, or other payment methods, WhatsApp will support your choice, making transactions smoother than ever.

Meta Verified: Ensuring Trust in Business Chats

To instill confidence in user-business interactions, WhatsApp is rolling out 'Meta Verified.' This initiative begins with Instagram and Facebook and will expand to WhatsApp in due time. Meta Verified offers business authentication through a verified badge, proactive impersonation protection, access to account support, and tools to enhance your business's discoverability. Testing for Meta Verified will commence with small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app, with plans to extend this feature to businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform. These updates signify WhatsApp's commitment to improving interactions between users and businesses on their platform.

WhatsApp Enhancements: A Better Experience with Channels for All Users

1. Enhanced Directory:

Finding the right channels to follow is made easy with an enhanced directory. Channels are automatically filtered based on your country, and you can discover new, popular, and active channels based on the number of followers.

2. Reactions:

Express yourself with emojis! WhatsApp Channels introduces the ability to react to channel updates. Share your thoughts without revealing your identity to other followers.

3. Message Forwarding:

When you forward an update to chats or groups, it includes a convenient link back to the channel. This makes it effortless for others to join in on the conversation.

4. Update Editing:

Admins will soon have the power to make changes to their updates for up to 30 days. This feature ensures that the information you receive is always up-to-date and accurate.

5. The Privacy Advantage:

WhatsApp Channels is designed with privacy in mind. Your choice of channels remains confidential, and both admins and followers' personal information is safeguarded.

What’s next? 

The capability to follow channels is now gradually becoming available to users who have installed the most recent updates of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store and WhatsApp for Android from the Google Play Store. Furthermore, this feature will be progressively released to a broader audience in the weeks ahead.