Table of Contents
Introduction
Imagine having a social media platform right in your WhatsApp account. Isn’t that a cool idea? WhatsApp Channel is a feature that lets you broadcast your message to a large audience in a single click. It’s your stage to speak your mind, all within WhatsApp’s friendly and acceptable interface.
In this blog, we will explore this intriguing feature of WhatsApp. We will also dig deeper to uncover how it can benefit your business, how to create your own WhatsApp channel, and how its limitations mold your usage. Learn how this feature can help you strengthen your communication and grow your business. So, let’s get started.
What is a WhatsApp channel?
Most of us know billboards, which advertise to a large audience in top cities. Now! WhatsApp channel is similar to a billboard. It is technically a one-way broadcasting channel, which users can follow as per their preferences. Businesses can share text, images, videos, audio, polls, and links to update their followers, while followers can show their reactions with emojis.
The good news about WhatsApp channels is that there are no limitations on the number of recipients who can follow your channel, as it can have an unlimited audience.
WhatsApp channel is not meant for generic conversations, and as per WhatsApp guidelines, users should avoid sending low-quality content. Instead, share highly relevant content that suits the channel description and informs the audience.
Why should you use a WhatsApp channel?
WhatsApp channel is a great way to connect with your audience and keep them informed about niche content from your industry. It is an extended arm of your WhatsApp broadcast feature as an open-ended platform for users to follow. Here are a few reasons to add WhatsApp channel to your user engagement journey;
How to create a WhatsApp channel?
A WhatsApp channel can be created with a personal account or a WhatsApp business account. Here are a few simple steps to get started with your WhatsApp channel;
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web and Access the Channels Tab
🔹Open your WhatsApp account on the WhatsApp web and navigate to the “Channels” tab from the left side menu.
Step 2: Click the "+" Icon to Start a New Channel
🔹In the channels tab, you will notice a “+” sign on the top; click on it to get the “Create channel” option.
Step 3:Click on “Continue” to start creating your channel.
🔹After clicking “Create channel,” a new screen will appear. Click “Continue” to move forward with setting up your new WhatsApp Channel.
Step 4: Add a name and a description to your channel
🔹Enter a suitable name for your channel that reflects its purpose. Below the name, write a short and engaging description to let followers know what your channel is about.
Step 5: You can add a channel icon to stand out to your audience
🔹Make your channel more recognizable by adding a channel icon. This image will represent your channel and appear to all your followers.
Step 6: Then click on “Create channel”. Now your channel is live
🔹Once you’ve added all the required details, click on “Create channel.” Your WhatsApp Channel is now live and ready to be used for broadcasting updates to your audience.
You’re all set to share updates with your audience, but before that, ensure you share your channel link so people can discover your channel. To do that, find your channel link from the channel info page. As mentioned, you can promote your channel on various digital platforms such as your website, social profiles, and posts.
Limitations of WhatsApp channels
As with any feature, along with advantages, it may have certain limitations. So, here are some of the limitations of WhatsApp channels to know before starting your channel.
One-way communication
WhatsApp channel is a one-way communication unlike WhatsApp broadcast, which allows the sender and the recipient to interact in a separate chat window. A WhatsApp channel is an open-to-all kind of platform that only lets the channel admin broadcast content to its followers.
Limited option for personalization
Since it’s an open platform for the channel admin to share content with its followers, there is no chance for personalization of content for individual followers.
Not available on API
The WhatsApp channel is presently unavailable with WhatsApp Business API. Hence, you can only use it through your personal WhatsApp and business account on mobile and desktop devices.
Channel content availability
WhatsApp’s channel content is visible to the followers for 30 days. After 30 days, all broadcast content is automatically deleted from the channel history.
Top 15 WhatsApp Channel Descriptions for Every Industry
Here are 15 industry-specific WhatsApp Channel descriptions you can copy and use for your business.
1. Real Estate WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay ahead in the real estate industry with business insights and property updates. Get daily market trends, the latest listings, investment tips, and expert opinions straight to your WhatsApp. Whether buying, selling, or investing, get key updates that help you make informed decisions.”
2. Healthcare WhatsApp Channel Description
“Receive your daily health tips with business insights from the healthcare industry. Get the latest updates on new treatments, medications, and trends in healthcare management. Stay informed on industry changes and news to help your business or practice stay competitive.”
3. Education WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay updated on education industry trends, admissions, and scholarship opportunities. Get exclusive business insights on new courses, admissions processes, and tips for educational institutions. Receive timely updates that help you navigate the educational landscape successfully.”
4. Automotive WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get key business insights into the automotive industry along with the latest car models, promotions, and industry trends. Stay updated on sales, service tips, and vehicle market changes to make strategic business decisions and improve customer engagement in the automotive sector.”
5. Hospitality WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay ahead in the hospitality industry with daily updates on exclusive deals, new menu offerings, and hotel promotions. Get the latest news on hospitality trends and elevate your guest experiences with timely insights”.
6. Manufacturing WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get key business insights from the manufacturing industry. Stay updated on new production techniques, machinery, and industry innovations. Receive news that can help improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain management, and make informed decisions for business growth.”
7. Pharma WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get your daily dose of pharmaceutical news, new health releases, and health information. Stay informed about the latest breakthroughs, treatments, and health trends. Receive all the important updates on wellness and medications directly on your WhatsApp.”
8. Logistics & Supply Chain WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get the latest insights from the logistics and supply chain world. Stay updated on route optimization, warehouse automation, freight trends, and delivery tech innovations. Receive tips and strategies to streamline operations and improve efficiency across your logistics network.”
9. Retail & E-commerce WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay ahead of the shopping trends! Get daily updates on the latest product launches, exclusive offers, and seasonal discounts. Be the first to know about sales, new arrivals, and exclusive deals, all through your WhatsApp.”
10. Finance WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay on top of financial business insights with daily updates on market trends, investment opportunities, and economic forecasts. Get the latest in wealth management, investment strategies, and financial planning to help make informed business decisions for financial growth.”
11. Banking WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get regular updates on banking offers, new products, and smart financial tips. Stay informed about changing loan rates, credit card deals, and key service updates. Keep your financial health in check right from your WhatsApp.”
12. Fintech WhatsApp Channel Description
Get the latest business insights from the fintech industry! Stay informed on the newest payment technologies, trends, and digital banking solutions. Receive real-time updates that help you stay ahead of the competition and make strategic decisions in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
13. Travel WhatsApp Channel Description
“Get daily travel inspiration and updates on special deals, discounts, and destination recommendations. Stay in the loop with last-minute flight deals, hotel offers, and exciting new places to explore, delivered straight to your WhatsApp.”
14. Retail Fashion WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay ahead with business insights from the retail fashion industry. Get the latest trends, exclusive collections, and fashion forecasts that can help your brand grow. Receive personalized updates on industry shifts, customer preferences, and opportunities to boost your fashion business.”
15. Technology WhatsApp Channel Description
“Stay ahead with daily updates on the latest tech gadgets, app launches, and software innovations. Get real-time information about the newest tech products and trends shaping the future of technology.”
Wrapping up
WhatsApp channel is a great way to engage your audience and keep them informed with relevant industry content. It adds a layer of advantage to growing your audience as it doesn’t restrict the number of followers who can join a channel.
With various metrics, as mentioned earlier, you can understand the engagement of your broadcast and discover content that resonates with your audience by measuring the metrics. Accordingly, it helps you create content for all your other digital channels and boost your user engagement rate.
Businesses can strategically plan to add a WhatsApp broadcast to their WhatsApp marketing plan and engage their audience in multiple ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the major differences between a WhatsApp Group and a WhatsApp Channel is the way of communication. WhatsApp Channel is a one-way communication, which means that only channel admins can send broadcast content, and followers can only react by sharing emojis, unlike WhatsApp Group, where all the group members can see and interact with each other.
WhatsApp channel restricts only admins from sharing content on the platform, and other followers of the channel can only share their reactions through emojis.
Unlike WhatsApp Broadcast or WhatsApp Group features, there is no limit on WhatsApp channel followers. Hence, it is a great medium for growing your audience by sharing relevant and useful content.
A WhatsApp Channel is made for one-way communication. Only the admin can send messages, and followers can’t reply. It’s ideal for sharing updates, announcements, or news with a large audience. People who follow the channel can read the updates but won’t see each other’s phone numbers.
On the other hand, a WhatsApp Group allows two-way communication. Everyone in the group can send and receive messages unless the admin limits it. It’s great for discussions, planning, or staying connected with friends, family, or teams. All members can see each other’s phone numbers.
The main function of a WhatsApp Channel is to act as a one-way broadcasting platform that users can follow based on their interests. Businesses can use it to share text, images, videos, audio, polls, and links to keep their followers updated. Followers can’t reply but can react with emojis. It also allows companies to send a large number of messages to a wide audience at once.
To view a WhatsApp Channel, tap on “Channels” under the Updates tab. You can search for a specific channel or browse by category to find one that interests you.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
2. Go to the “Updates” tab (replaces the old “Status” tab).
3. Tap on the “Channels” section.
4. You can search for a channel or browse by category.
5. Tap on any channel to view its updates.
6. Tap “Follow” to keep getting updates from that channel.
WhatsApp Channels don’t have a limit on the number of subscribers or the number of channels a person can create. You can reach a large audience, and only the admin can send messages. However, WhatsApp Broadcast Lists are limited to 256 contacts per list.
Benefits of WhatsApp Channel:
1. One-way updates – Only admins can send messages.
2. Unlimited subscribers – No cap on followers.
3. Diverse content – Share text, images, videos, and more.
4. Privacy – Subscribers’ details stay private.
5. Easy to discover – Users can search and follow channels easily.
There is no limit to the number of followers who can be on a WhatsApp Channel. This allows you to connect with a large audience without any restrictions.
To get your WhatsApp Channel verified, you need to have a registered business and a WhatsApp Business API. You also need to have a Facebook Business Manager account to manage your business profile. After your business meets the required criteria, WhatsApp will verify your channel.
Nisha Sneha
Nisha Sneha is a passionate content writer with 5 years of experience creating impactful content for SAAS products, new-age technologies, and software applications. Currently, she is contributing to Kenyt.AI by crafting engaging content for its readers. Creating captivating content that provides accurate information about the latest advancements in science and technology has been at the core of her creativity.
In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, reading, and swimming as hobbies.
