title：WhatsApp Updates Tab: What It Is & How to Use Channels

content：WhatsApp’s New Updates Tab: A Game Changer?

If you’ve noticed WhatsApp’s Status tab missing lately, you’re not alone. The app has rolled out a new Updates tab, and it’s changing how you get content from your favorite celebrities, companies, and news outlets. In a recent video, the creator walks through this feature, showing exactly how it works and what it means for users. This article breaks down the Updates tab, how to use channels, and when regular users might get to create their own.

What Is the Updates Tab?

The Updates tab replaces the old Status section in WhatsApp. It’s a dedicated space for channels—content streams from verified entities like celebrities (Sunny Deol), news outlets (News18 India), and sports teams (Mumbai Indians). The tab is currently in beta, so not all users have access yet, but it’s rolling out gradually as the video notes.

How to Explore and Follow Channels

Accessing channels is straightforward:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the Updates icon next to Chats.
2. Browse categories like Most Active, New, or Popular to find channels.
3. Tap the plus icon next to a channel to follow it.
4. Toggle notifications on or off to stay updated without spam.

The video shows that you can also check a channel’s follower count (like 4846 for one example) to gauge its popularity.

content：Limitations & Future of WhatsApp Channels

Right now, regular users can’t create channels—only verified celebrities, companies, and news outlets have access. The video explains this is because WhatsApp is focusing on entities already monetizing content first.

Exclusive Insight: Compare to Telegram

Unlike Telegram (where anyone can create a channel), WhatsApp’s current focus on verified entities helps maintain content quality and trust. This approach might change as the feature matures, but no official timeline for regular user channel creation is available yet.

content：Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediately Actionable Checklist

1. Update WhatsApp to the latest beta version for early access.
2. Navigate to the Updates tab to explore available channels.
3. Follow 2-3 channels of your interest (news, celebrities, or sports).
4. Adjust notification settings to avoid overwhelming alerts.
5. Check WhatsApp’s official blog for rollout updates.

Recommended Resources

WhatsApp Official Blog: The most reliable source for feature updates and rollout timelines.
Beta Testing Communities: Join groups like WhatsApp Beta Testers to get early access to new features.

content：Conclusion & Engagement

The WhatsApp Updates tab is a new way to stay connected to your favorite entities, but it’s still in its early stages. Regular users can’t create channels yet, but the feature is likely to expand over time.

Have you tried the new Updates tab? Which channel are you most excited to follow? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!