WhatsApp News: Verified Checkmark, Follower Count Among Top Features Under Development For Channels; Check Inside

WHATSAPP, an instant messaging app, is developing a broadcast channel (similar to Telegram) conversation and 12 more features, WABetaInfo reported. It will roll out in a future version of the Meta-owned app. According to the news tracker, the features were available in the 'WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.19' update on Play Store.

Channels will be a part of the 'Updates' tab with status updates. It offers privacy to users as the contact numbers are kept secretive from followers and the creator. These channels are under development and not ready for a beta release currently.

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The screengrab shared in the report gives us a detailed look at what is under development for channels. Here is an account of enhancements that WhatsApp is testing.

Interface: Channels will have a full-width messaging interface. A matching update is available for community group announcements in the beta version 23.7.0.70 on iOS.

Verification: Channels would be able to get verified with a green checkmark. However, the scheme for verification is unknown as of now.

Follower count: A metric to assess the number of followers below the channel name. These may be round-off figures in case of a large number of followers. Other than this, a precise number would be visible on the channel info screen.

Mute notifications: A button to mute message notifications from channels would be available in the channel header. Another toggle to mute notifications will be there on the channel info page.

Handles: Channel support handles will be displayed in the channel info section.

Shortcuts: To have a better experience within channels, shortcuts to forward, share, and unfollow will be present.

Description: Like the current profile bio, it will rest in the info screen so that creators can add details for followers.

Visibility: Depending on the target audience, the channel can be configured as Public so that everyone on WhatsApp can find the channel.

Privacy: As mentioned above, phone numbers will not be shared in channels.

Reporting: A user will have the option to report a channel if it violates the Terms and Conditions.

These features are in the development stage and will roll out in a future version of WhatsApp for beta testers.