How to Follow and Create WhatsApp Channels

Tap through each step to see exactly how to follow or create a WhatsApp Channel.

  1. Open the "Updates" tab

    Go to the "Updates" tab at the bottom of WhatsApp.

  2. Tap "Find channels" in the Channels section

    Tap "Find channels" to search for channels you're interested in.

  3. Tap Follow

    Once you find a channel you like, tap "Follow" to start receiving its updates.

  4. Create your own channel

    Tap the "+" button and select "Channel" to create your own and start broadcasting updates to followers.

  5. Why this is useful

    You can subscribe to updates from brands and public figures you like β€” or run your own channel β€” without ever exposing a personal phone number.

Broadcast updates without sharing your number

Channels let you send regular updates to followers, or receive updates from favorite brands and public figures, entirely separate from your personal phone number and regular chats.

How Channels differ from group chats

A group chat is a two-way conversation among members, while a Channel is one-way: only admins can post, and followers can react with emoji but cannot reply directly. This makes Channels better suited to broadcasting news or announcements to a large audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can channel followers see my phone number?

No. Following a channel is fully anonymous β€” your phone number is never shared with the channel admin or other followers.

Can I reply inside a channel?

Unlike a regular chat, only admins can post in a channel. Followers can only react with emoji, not send messages or replies.