WhatsApp Channels allow you to communicate with your followers without exchanging phone numbers. The service is also creating a searchable directory to help users find channels related to their favorite topics and local topics. Channels are currently being launched in Colombia and Singapore, with a global roll out planned in the coming months.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps in the world, but it is surprisingly slow to introduce new features. Channels have been available in competing apps such as Telegram for years, and Instagram recently added Broadcast Channels. WhatsApp has finally jumped on board.