WhatsApp To Introduce Enhanced Search Options For Channels
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform owned by Meta, is reportedly rolling out a new feature called “advanced search filters” for channels. The feature is available after you have installed the latest WhatsApp updates for iOS and Android.
According to WABetaInfo, the goal of the Meta-owned app is to ensure that users can discover new channels even without their knowledge, and “users can do so thanks to the channels’ new advanced search filters,” the report states.
A screenshot seen in the report revealed that the instant messaging app has removed the filter button from the channel screen and replaced it with a new feature that offers users a refined search experience.
More specifically, users can now filter channels to only show channels from their own country. In addition, users can further filter the results by showing only the most active, popular and newest channels.
The two latest filters were already available before, but the Meta-owned app makes them easier to use with the latest updates.
“These new filters provide users with the best experience when exploring new channels. By introducing advanced channel search filters, users can now easily find and access channels that are of greater interest to them, eliminating the need for users to access specific information,” WABetaInfo said.
It also suggested that the ability to filter channels by country and activity level is another important benefit as it allows users to customize the channel browsing experience.
This ensures that they receive updates from the channels most relevant to their interests and location.
It is important to note that WhatsApp channels are still available in only 9 countries (Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore and Ukraine).
According to the report, there is no exact date for a wider release in other countries. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg mentioned in a recent earnings call that WhatsApp plans to introduce channels to more countries during the rest of the year. This means that new users will soon be able to try channels.
