To create a WhatsApp channel, open WhatsApp, go to the Updates tab, tap the plus button next to Channels, choose Create channel, then add a name, a short description and an icon. Once you confirm, your channel is live and you can share its link so people can follow it.
A channel is a one-way broadcast tool. You post updates and followers read them, react with emojis and share them on, but they can't chat back to you the way they would in a group. If you're not sure whether a channel is the right fit, my guide to the difference between a WhatsApp channel and a community explains it in plain words.
The steps below are how the app works now. WhatsApp changes its menus every so often, so if a button name looks different on your phone, open the app and search for the word "channel" in the Updates tab or in Settings.
Create a channel on Android
- Update WhatsApp from the Play Store first, so you have the latest version.
- Open WhatsApp and tap the Updates tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Find the Channels section and tap the plus button next to it. On some versions there's a floating plus button instead, which opens a menu with an option for a new channel.
- Tap Create channel (or Get started if WhatsApp shows a short introduction).
- Type your channel name and, if you like, a description.
- Add an icon, then tap Create channel to finish.
That's all there is to it. Your new channel appears under Channels in the Updates tab, and you can post straight away.
On iPhone
The flow is very close to Android. Update WhatsApp from the App Store, open it, and tap the Updates tab. Next to the Channels heading, tap the plus button and choose Create channel. If WhatsApp shows an introduction screen, tap Continue. Then enter a name, a description and an icon, and confirm.
If the plus button next to Channels isn't there, scroll down within the Updates tab. Some people find the option below the list of channels they already follow.
On WhatsApp Web or desktop
Newer versions of WhatsApp Web and the desktop app let you work with channels from a Channels section in the side menu. If you can see a plus button or a create option there, the steps are the same: name, description, icon, confirm.
If you can't find it on your computer, don't spend long searching. Create the channel on your phone, then you can read and manage it from the larger screen later. Features arrive on phones first and on desktop apps afterwards, so the computer version sometimes lags behind.
Choosing a name, description and icon
These three details decide whether a stranger follows you or scrolls past, so spend a few minutes on them.
- Name: keep it short and say what you post. "Daily Cricket Notes" tells people more than "Updates by Sam". Avoid names that copy another brand or person, because WhatsApp can remove channels that imitate others.
- Description: one or two lines that answer "why should I follow?" and "how often do you post?". Honest descriptions keep followers who stay.
- Icon: use a clear, simple image that still reads when it's tiny. A logo or a bold single-colour graphic usually works better than a busy photo.
You can edit the name, description and icon later from the channel's info screen, so don't worry if your first attempt isn't perfect.
Sharing your channel link
A channel grows when people can find it, and the quickest route is the invite link. Open your channel, tap its name at the top to see the channel info, and look for the option to share or copy the link. Paste that link into your Instagram bio, your Facebook page, your email signature, a WhatsApp Status or any group chat where it's welcome.
Some versions also offer a QR code, which is handy if you want to print it on a poster or a business card. WhatsApp also has a channel directory, so look in your channel settings for a choice about whether the channel can be found there.
Post a little before you promote it. A channel with a handful of useful updates is far easier to follow than an empty one.
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What followers can and can't see
Because a channel is a one-way broadcast, followers can read what you post and react, but they can't start a conversation in the channel itself. That's the main difference from a group, where everyone can post.
Privacy details and what an admin can see about followers are worth checking in WhatsApp's own help pages, because they've been updated more than once. I've covered the question people ask most in can you see who viewed a WhatsApp channel.
What to post first
Once the channel exists, your first few updates set the tone. A short welcome message that says who you are and what people will get is a good start. After that, aim for a steady rhythm you can keep up, whether that's one useful update a day or one a week. Mix text with the occasional photo, poll or short video, and keep each update easy to read on a small screen.
Followers leave quietly when a channel turns noisy, so post only when you have something worth reading. It's also worth pinning down who the channel is for. A neighbourhood shop, a cricket fan, a teacher sharing study tips and a local news page all need different tones.
Why you might not see the create option
If the plus button or the Create channel option is missing, go through these checks in order:
- Update the app. This fixes it more often than anything else. Install the newest WhatsApp from your app store.
- Wait a little. WhatsApp rolls features out gradually, so your account may get it later than a friend's.
- Check your account type. The WhatsApp Business app and the standard app don't always get features at the same time, so the steps can differ.
- Check your region. Availability can vary by country and over time.
- Restart the app, or log out and back in, so it fetches the newest settings.
If none of that works, the problem is almost certainly on WhatsApp's side, and the feature will appear in a later update.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to create a WhatsApp channel?
Creating a channel is done from inside the app and as far as I know it's free to start, but check WhatsApp's current terms in case that changes.
Can I create a WhatsApp channel on a computer?
Newer versions of WhatsApp Web and the desktop app may show a Channels section. If you don't see it, create the channel on your phone instead.
Can I change my channel name later?
Yes. Open the channel info screen and edit the name, description or icon. Keep the name accurate so followers always know what to expect.
Why can't I find the Updates tab?
Update WhatsApp first. If you still can't see it, check whether you're using a very old version or a different app type. Searching the app for the word "Updates" often helps.
How do people find my channel?
Share the invite link wherever your audience already is, and check your channel settings for the directory option so people can find it by searching.
