WhatsApp introduces a new set of features for Channels, now rolling out worldwide

Channels were originally rolled out to Malaysians back in July of last year. — WhatsApp

Meta is now rolling out a new set of features to WhatsApp Channels, including Voice Updates, Polls, and the ability to share channel updates as a Status.

Voice Updates function much like how voice messages do in regular chats, allowing users to receive audio messages that can be played at up to twice the normal playback speed.

These audio messages can also reacted to by followers of a Channel.

The Polls function on the other hand is mostly self-explanatory, allowing Channel admins to create a poll for followers to vote on.

Updates sent to Channels can now be shared to a user's Status, which is the messaging platform's equivalent to Instagram's Story feature.

The rollout will also expand the total number of admins allowed for a single Channel to 16, making it easier for organisations to post more frequent updates to their Channel.

Channels were originally rolled out to Malaysians back in July of last year and can be used by organisations such as government agencies, brands, and sports teams to broadcast one-way messages or updates to their followers.

The messaging app previously shared that over 500 million of its users have been using the Channels feature.