WhatsApp channels: How they work & information about the new feature [July 2025]

What are WhatsApp channels?

WhatsApp channels (also partly WhatsApp channels called) are a new tool within the WhatsApp platform that allows you to send messages to a large number of users who have subscribed to your channel. This feature might sound familiar to you from Telegram — channels have been around there for a long time. As opposed to group chats or WhatsApp newsletters Is the Communication here one-sided: Only the channel operator can send messages, which almost completely prevents interaction with your subscribers. Subscribers can only respond to your message with emojis. Channels are great for announcements, updates, and exclusive content and are primarily for Influencers, well-known companies, sports clubs designed with many followers and news services. WhatsApp channels are gratuitous for channel operators and subscribers. In the app, WhatsApp channels do not appear between chats, but can be found under the separate “News” tab, where the WhatsApp status of saved contacts is also displayed.
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Can WhatsApp channels be deactivated?

To the displeasure of many users who do not want to use WhatsApp channels, this Don't disable feature. Users have the option of simply not following a single channel, but if they want to view the WhatsApp status of friends and family under “News”, they will still be confronted with the function. In theory, it is possible for Android users to install an older version of WhatsApp without channels, but older versions are no longer supported after some time and have potential security deficiencies.

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Instructions: How do you create a WhatsApp channel?

Einen WhatsApp channel It is easy to create and requires just a few steps:
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• Open WhatsApp and go to the” tabLatest news”.
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• Tap on the three points at the top right corner, select”New channel“and follow the setup instructions.
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• Give your channel a namesthat appeals to your target group.
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• Add a short description to make it clear what your channel is about.
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• Optionally: Add a profile picture and link to make the channel look professional.
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• Tap”Create channel“and start right away by typing your first message send!
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It's important to share interesting content right from the start to retain subscribers and grow your channel. Instructions for creating WhatsApp channels directly from Meta can be found here.

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Advantages and disadvantages of WhatsApp channels for companies and influencers

advantages:

• Direct communication: You can reach your subscribers directly on their smartphones.
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• Simplicity: Setting up and managing channels is easy.
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• Free of charge: WhatsApp channels are not charged to the channel operator or subscribers.
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• Range: WhatsApp is the most used messenger worldwide and is particularly popular in Germany. If you want to reach a very large number of users, WhatsApp channels are perfect.

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Disadvantages:

• No interactivity: One-way communication prevents you from interacting with your subscribers. As a result, WhatsApp channels may be less interesting for subscribers than other social media platforms.
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• Low-profile feature: In contrast to WhatsApp newsletters Subscribed WhatsApp channels do not appear between personal chats, but somewhat hidden in the “News” tab. As a result, the opening rate is not particularly high.
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• Push messages usually disabled: The default setting for users is that they don't receive notifications about news from subscribed WhatsApp channels. Accordingly, new messages are often not noticed at all.
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• No segmentation: You can only send messages via channels to all subscribers at a time. This makes marketing via WhatsApp channels extremely inefficient, as users could regard irrelevant content as spam and could unsubscribe from the channel.
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• GDPR issues: WhatsApp channels are only available with WhatsApp Messenger for private individuals and WhatsApp Business. Both apps make a GDPR-compliant use Almost impossible for companies.
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• No automation: WhatsApp channels are not available via WhatsApp API Interface available and therefore not automatable. You must type in messages manually.

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Conclusion: WhatsApp channels are rarely suitable for companies

‍ WhatsApp channels are one practical addition to the other social media channels from influencers and brands. If the content is being produced anyway, why not share it with subscribers on WhatsApp as well? There is really nothing wrong with that.

‍BUT: undertakingswho do not have hundreds of thousands of followers and want to do marketing via WhatsApp, are at WhatsApp channels removed incorrectly. Because of lack of interaction The interest of potential buyers is dwindling. Messages via WhatsApp channels cannot be sent separately to the respective Customer segments are generally sent and received only very little attention. Companies can't even send a PDF catalog with their latest products because Not all types of content are supported Are and are still having problems with the Data protection.

‍Better Does marketing via WhatsApp work with WhatsApp newsletters about the WhatsApp API interface. WhatsApp newsletters are automatable, interactive, segmentable, GDPR-compliant and appear with push notification between recipients' private chats. This means that Opening rates Not uncommon of over 95%.
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Reading tip: In this post, you'll learn Why companies should use WhatsApp newsletters and not WhatsApp channels or email marketing.

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This is how it works better: Professional customer communication & marketing with the WhatsApp Business Platform

We at hellomateo are your messaging experts when it comes to customer communication. Hundreds of companies are already using hellomateo and are impressed. Our customers particularly appreciate the following benefits:
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• ‍Central user interface: hellomateo combines WhatsApp Business Platform, email, Instagram, SMS and Facebook Messenger in one central inbox. The intuitive user interface includes various tools for efficient customer communication and saves you valuable working time.
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• integrations: With hellomateo, you can use WhatsApp in integrate over 6,000 software programs and fully automated Customer trips create with invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices, and reminders.
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• Newsletter marketing: Send GDPR-compliant Newsletter via WhatsApp or SMS and benefit from opening rates of over 95%.‍
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• Assessment management: hellomateo can Automatically request online reviews from your customers, which boosts your Google ranking and trust in your company.
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• ‍Data protection: hellomateo meets all German and European Data protection requirements and offers end-to-end encryption for secure customer communication.
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• scalability: Our software is suitable for Businesses of all sizes and can be extended indefinitely depending on the package.‍
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• ‍Diverse AI features: Our AI agent can automatically answer customer inquiries in chat, answer calls, help with the formulation of messages and much more.
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Arrange a non-binding and free consultation and we'll show you how hellomateo covers your communication needs! Simply book an appointment here or write to us via our web widget.