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How Charities can use WhatsApp Channels

Instant messaging service WhatsApp recently launched a new tool called Channels, promoted as ‘A private way to follow what matters.’

Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins which allows them to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. It’s available through a new tab called Updates.

The tool is separate from chats with family, friends, and communities, and people can choose what to follow from a searchable directory and would be able to join a channel from an invite link.

The phone number and profile photo of a Channel admin would remain private and not shown to followers; so too would the contact details of channel followers remain private and not displayed to the admin or other followers.

In its announcement of Channels, WhatsApp have said that it will only store channel history on its servers for up to 30 days and will enable updates to disappear faster than this from followers’ devices.

They also say admins will have the control to block screenshots and forwards from their channel. Admins could also choose who can follow their channel, as well as whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not.

National newscaster Charity Digital offer guidance on WhatsApp’s newest feature, Channels, and what this means for charities.

From how Channels works and its prioritisation of privacy, through to the benefits of creating a WhatsApp Channel, they examine in detail the features of WhatsApp Channels and how charities can apply them to the work they do.

To read the guidance, visit the Charity Digital website.