What are WhatsApp Channels and how to follow or unfollow someone

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    WhatsApp Channels
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    WhatsApp Channels

    Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. To help you select channels to follow, we’re building a searchable directory where you can find your hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, and more. You can also get to a channel from invite links sent in chats, e-mail, or posted online. (Image: Meta blog)

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    Gone global
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    Gone global

    Launched in June 2023, Channels went global in September. "Today we’re excited to launch WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries and deliver a private way to receive updates that matter to you. We’re welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow, right within WhatsApp," Meta wrote in a blog on September 13. (Image: WhatsApp Blog)

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    How to create a Channel
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    How to create a Channel

    > Open WhatsApp Web, and go to Channels by clicking the Channels icon
    > Click Create channel.
    Click Continue and continue through the onscreen prompts.
    > Add a channel name to finish creating your channel. You can choose to change the name again at any time.
    > Customise your channel: You can choose to customize your channel now by adding a description and icon or wait until later.
    > Add a channel description: Write a few words to help potential followers understand what your channel is about.
    > Add a channel icon: Add an image from your phone or the web to stand out.
    > Click Create channel, and you’re done!

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    How to follow Channels
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    How to follow Channels

    Quick follow from list of channels: You can quickly follow a channel from the directory by clicking the next to the channel name.
    Follow from channel: Open a channel you’re interested in, and click the Follow button.
    You can also follow channels from their channel info page.

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    Key things to know
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    Key things to know

    Following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it’s private, Meta said. The company will only store channel history on its servers for up to 30 days. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel.

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