WhatsApp Channels now rolling out in India and globally: features, what’s new

WhatsApp Channels 

• WhatsApp Channels will be available in a new tab called 'Updates' where you'll find all the channels that you follow along with Status.
• You can follow channels of organisations, sports teams, and artists. WhatsApp has collaborated with BCCI, Katrina Kaif, Vijay Deverakonda and Diljit Dosanjh for its new feature.
• WhatsApp has also added new features to channels including an 'Enhanced Directory' where you can find channels filtered based on your country. It will also show channels that are new, most active, and popular.
• You can also now react using emojis, and see the total count of reactions. But other followers will not be able to see which emoji you've used. 
• WhatsApp is also giving admins the option to edit updates for up to 30 days. Meta stores channel history for only 30 days after deleting it permanently from its servers.
• The last feature is forwarding updates from channels to chats or groups will now include a link so others can directly follow the channel.

It isn't possible for just anyone to create a channel on WhatsApp but Meta plans to roll this out soon. It will also add more features soon, and expand WhatsApp Channels based on user feedback. 

The concept of WhatsApp Channels isn't entirely new, and it's something Telegram has been offering for quite some time. Meta also introduced this first on Instagram where it's been sharing updates and the latest features on all its products through channels. It's an easier way to disseminate information, and since it's from the official source it can be trusted.