The instant messaging app "WhatsApp" has announced that its recently launched channel service has become available in new countries, including Arab nations such as Egypt and Morocco. Initially, "WhatsApp" introduced the channel service, which allows users to create and follow channels, in Singapore and Colombia.
The service is now accessible to users in the latest version of the app on devices running both iOS and Android, as well as on computers. If users have not updated the app, they can click on the update icon and relaunch the application.
In addition to Egypt and Morocco, the new countries include Chile, Ukraine, Malaysia, Kenya, and Peru. It is unclear when this service will be available in other countries. With this feature, "WhatsApp" users can subscribe to accounts to receive content regularly.
This feature is similar to the channels available on "Telegram," whereby subscribing to a channel, such as those run by news organizations, allows information to flow to users.
The new feature has several characteristics: users can search for and subscribe to channels quickly without needing an invitation or clicking on a link, unlike current group functionalities. Additionally, the channel offers privacy controls, as a screenshot of the beta version shows that the information of users who join the channel will remain hidden.
Currently, "WhatsApp" faces the challenge of having a limited number of participants who can subscribe to a new group or community; however, it seems that channels will not be similarly restricted.
