This year, WhatsApp launched channels, giving users a new method to interact with followers. This feature lets users create exclusive groups where only the admin can communicate and send messages, and followers can respond with emojis. It’s similar to Instagram broadcast groups. Since then, Meta has also been actively working to improve WhatsApp channels with new features, the most recent of which is “Automatic Album.”
According to Wabetainfo, a website that keeps track of WhatsApp developments, the new album feature is being tested by WhatsApp in its beta version 2.23.26.16, which is accessible through the Google Play Beta Program. WhatsApp channels will now automatically create albums when multiple images or videos are shared in a row, just like in individual and group chats. Currently available to a select group of beta testers, this feature should soon be made available to the general public.
How will this feature work
When it becomes available, the Album feature will make it easier to arrange media within channels. WhatsApp will automatically compile several consecutive photos or videos that administrators share into a single album. This will make the content more aesthetically appealing and increase accessibility for channel viewers.
This update is also said to be significant because it will allow users to tap on the automatic album to conveniently access the entire collection, which will ease their navigation of shared media content and reduce their reliance on individual message bubbles.
Support for channel reactions within shared albums is also a major benefit of the Automatic Album feature. By enabling users to directly express their thoughts and feelings within the context of the media content, this addition further improves the interactive experience for users. This update will help channel admins better organize their shared media, which will be beneficial.
WhatsApp pin message
Apart from channels, WhatsApp is currently working on new updates for the entire platform, including chats. A number of these updates are already available. One of the newest features, accessible to all users, is the ability to pin messages in individual or group chats. The pin chat function on WhatsApp is comparable to the pin message feature.
This feature allows users to pin any particular message to be highlighted. Users can also customize the duration of the feature by setting an hourly or daily time limit. The pinned message will be automatically moved to the bottom of the message window after the predetermined amount of time, but it will remain visible.
Choosing the message to pin in the chat and selecting the pin option from the pop-up menu is all that users need to do to utilize this feature.