Creators may soon be able to promote Channels on WhatsApp
It could help creators and brands drive growth and foster community engagement.
WhatsApp is set to make its Channels feature more accessible and shareable with a new QR code generation tool, currently rolling out to beta testers.
Introduced over a year ago, Channels started as a one-way broadcasting tool for celebrities and brands, but its expansion to general users has created a growing demand for better sharing options.
While users can already share Channels via links, the QR code feature promises to simplify promotion and engagement, according to AndroidPolice. This update reflects WhatsApp’s broader focus on improving the user experience and catching up with competitors like Telegram, which already offers advanced community-sharing tools.
The QR code feature has been seen in Android beta version 2.24.25.7 and is also being tested on iOS, signalling that a wider rollout across platforms is imminent. While Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, hasn’t confirmed an exact timeline, its ongoing beta testing suggests a stable release could arrive soon.
Meanwhile, November has been a particularly active month for WhatsApp. Alongside this QR code functionality, the app introduced tools like Lists for organizing chats and voice transcriptions for seamless communication.
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp’s updates align with its strategy to enhance usability and strengthen its competitive edge in messaging. The upcoming QR code feature, to me, is more than a convenience tool—it signals a strategic effort to position Channels as a central feature of the platform.
By focusing on creators and community building, WhatsApp likely aims to replicate Telegram’s success, where Channels drive significant user engagement and monetization. While it’s unclear if this will resonate with users, WhatsApp’s approach highlights its intent to innovate and remain relevant in an evolving messaging market.