In short: Open the Updates tab, tap the add icon, then Create channel and Continue. Add a name, then an optional description and icon, and tap Create channel. A channel is one-way: followers can react and vote in polls but can’t reply to you. Steps from WhatsApp’s Help Center, as of November 2026.
What a WhatsApp channel is
WhatsApp describes channels as a one-way broadcast rather than a conversation. Updates appear in a separate Updates tab, away from personal chats. Followers can’t reply or message admins, but they can react with emoji and vote in polls.
People choose to follow. Nobody is subscribed automatically, and notifications are muted by default, so followers see your updates when they open the tab unless they turn notifications on.
How to create a channel
From WhatsApp’s steps:
- Tap Updates, then the add icon.
- Tap Create channel, then Continue.
- Add a channel name.
- Add a description and an icon if you want them. You can change these later.
- Tap Create channel.
- To invite people, select contacts and send, or tap Skip.
Channels are also available in the WhatsApp Business app.
After you create it
- Add admins. You can invite up to 16 more admins to edit info and manage updates.
- Share it. Each channel has a link and QR code to post in chats, status and other apps.
- Keep your expectations right. WhatsApp says channel verification isn’t publicly available yet.
Channel, group, community or broadcast list?
| Channel | Group | Community | Broadcast list | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | One-way | Everyone talks | Announcements plus groups | One-way, replies come privately |
| Size | Followers choose to join | Up to 1,024 members | Up to 2,000 members | 256 per list |
| Can people reply to you? | No, only reactions and polls | Yes | In groups | Yes, one to one |
| Best for | Public updates | Small working groups | Schools, clubs, societies | Personal-feeling updates |
When a channel suits a business
Use a channel for news that many people may want and nobody needs to answer: offers, opening hours, new stock, tips. It doesn’t suit support or sales, because a customer can’t reply. Put your WhatsApp number or a chat link in your updates, so interested followers can start a conversation with you.
When those chats start arriving, a shared inbox lets your team answer them together.
Frequently asked questions
Can followers reply to a WhatsApp channel? No. They can react with emoji and vote in polls, but can’t send messages to admins.
Can followers see each other? People viewing a channel can’t see who follows it. Admins can see a follower’s profile name next to reactions or poll votes.
How is a channel different from a broadcast list? A broadcast goes into each person’s chat and they can reply privately. A channel posts to a separate tab with no replies.
Turning channel followers into conversations? See how Risponse helps your team answer them.