WhatsApp Sees Huge Uptick in India Channel Users as it Explores...
WhatsApp's public broadcasting Channel feature is experiencing significant growth among users in India, as revealed by product head Alice Newton-Rex during her recent visit to the country. The Channels feature, introduced over a year ago, enables users to follow various topics and organizations without cluttering their chats.
National and International Accounts Gain Popularity
During her visit, Newton-Rex emphasized the rising popularity of national and international accounts on WhatsApp Channels. The platform is actively working on enhancing the visibility of smaller content creators through personalized recommendations. Head of engineering Nitin Gupta mentioned the strong recommendation systems of Facebook and Instagram, hinting at potential adaptations for WhatsApp.
Monetization and Misinformation Mitigation Strategies
In terms of monetization, Newton-Rex mentioned the possibility for Channel admins to monetize their efforts by offering subscription-based services or promoting their Channels through a directory. To combat misinformation, WhatsApp collaborates with fact-checking organizations and popular news outlets that have established Channels. Users are encouraged to report any inappropriate content found on Channels. The platform's AI assistant, Meta AI, provides users with the ability to verify messages by asking questions.
AI Integration and Privacy Focus
Newton-Rex highlighted the significance of AI for both WhatsApp users and businesses, with Meta AI being utilized for tasks like homework assistance and language practice. The focus on privacy remains paramount for WhatsApp, particularly catering to the preferences of Indian users who value private conversations. Noteworthy features such as Chat Lock, designed for households with shared devices, have been well-received. While features like Scheduled Messages are in demand, WhatsApp aims to avoid overwhelming users with unnecessary functionalities.
