Anyone with a normal WhatsApp account can usually create a channel from the Updates tab: tap the + next to Channels › Create channel, add a name and photo, and start posting. Followers can't see your number, and you can't see theirs.
Before you create one
- A channel is good for one-way updates: a shop's offers, a coaching centre's notices, a creator's news, a temple's timings.
- If you want people to talk back to each other, a group or community is better (see communities).
- In a few places, or on old app versions, the option to create a channel may not show. Update WhatsApp first.
Create a channel on Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap Updates.
- Next to Channels, tap + › Create channel.
- Read the introduction and tap Continue.
- Type the Channel name. Add a description and a photo (a clear logo works best). You can change these later.
- Tap Create channel.
Create a channel on iPhone
- Tap Updates at the bottom.
- Tap + next to Channels › Create Channel › Continue.
- Enter the name, description and photo.
- Tap Create Channel.
On WhatsApp Web or the computer app: click the Channels icon on the left › + › Create channel.
Post updates
- Open your channel and type in the box at the bottom. You can send text, photos, videos, voice messages, stickers, links and polls.
- Admins can edit a post for up to 30 days after sending it: press and hold the post › Edit.
- Followers react with emojis and vote in polls; they can't reply in the channel.
Share your channel
- Open the channel and tap its name to open Channel info.
- Tap Share or the Channel link option to copy the link, send it in chats, or post it on your status.
- Put the link on your shop board, visiting card or social media.
Add helpers (admins)
In Channel info tap Invite admins (or a similar option) and pick trusted contacts. As the owner you can have up to 16 admins at a time, and only you can invite or remove them. They can post, edit and delete updates and change channel details. An invite that isn't accepted runs out after 7 days. Note: people you invite as admins can see your phone number, because the invite comes from your own account.
If it doesn't work
- No "Create channel" option: update WhatsApp. If it still doesn't show, the feature may not be enabled for your account or country yet.
- Channel was suspended: it broke WhatsApp's channel rules (for example spam, scams or adult content). You may see an option to request a review.
Safety tip
Don't copy other people's photos or videos and don't pretend to be a bank, government office or celebrity. Fake or misleading channels get reported and removed. Never post your own phone number, address or bank details in a channel.
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
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Questions, or an error not listed here?
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