WhatsApp just launched Channels, and some major companies and celebrities, from Netflix to Katrina Kaif, are already using it. We'll check out some creative examples of WhatsApp Channels, and give you tips on how to use the tool more successfully.
Netflix is using it, so are the Indian cricket team and the Times of India: WhatsApp Channels just launched a few days ago, and some major companies, brands, and celebrities have already built up a large following.
In the following, we'll show you some examples of WhatsApp Channels that are very successful, and share some tips for getting the most out your channel.
4 examples of successful WhatsApp Channels
WhatsApp Channels are a new broadcasting tool for private users and businesses to share updates with their followers.
You can share texts, links, videos, images, and polls with your audience. As of now, readers can only interact with your posts through emoji reactions. Since the feature just launched globally on September 13, not all users can start a channel yet, but WhatsApp is rolling out the feature over time to more users.
You can search for, follow, and start a new channel in the "Updates" tab in your WhatsApp (Business) App.
💡How to create a WhatsApp Channel: A step-by-step guide
Some users have already started using the channels, and have amassed a large following in just a few days. Let's look at some examples of successful WhatsApp Channels.
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The Indian cricket team
The Indian cricket team was one of the first profiles to start a WhatsApp Channel. For the popular sports team, it was perfect timing to share updates with their fans, as the country and Indian cricket fans all over the world are getting ready for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in October this year.
We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news around match schedules, timings, scorecards etc.
Indian cricket team
As this example shows, Channels are a great way to create excitement around an event, share news with your fans, and celebrate successes.
Only a few days after launching their channel, the Indian cricket team has already gained 4.7 million followers, and their posts get anywhere from 7,000 to 33,000 reactions.
Katrina Kaif
The Hindi movie star Katrina Kaif was also among the first celebrities to use WhatsApp Channels. The actress uses the feature somewhat differently. While she also shares updates with her fans, she sees her channel as a personal newsletter to better connect with her supporters.
This platform provides me with an exciting opportunity to connect with those who are interested in various aspects of my life, be it my work in the film industry or my ventures in the business world, all of which I am deeply passionate about. WhatsApp Channels serves as a personalized newsletter through which I can share insights and updates with my dedicated audience, fans, and all those who have consistently shown their support throughout my journey.
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif posts personal videos and snapshots from her daily life.
Kaif's more personal approach to the WhatsApp Channels proves that it can be a new opportunity for influencers to grow and connect with their fans. Kaif already has almost eight million followers, and her posts get hundreds of thousands of likes.
💡Influencers on WhatsApp? Yes, they exist!
The Times of India
Another interesting example of WhatsApp Channels comes from The Times of India. One of the country's top publications showcases how media companies can also take advantage of the broad reach of WhatsApp Channels.
The TOI shares brief news updates with its followers, in the style of a bulletin or newsletter.
Their posts typically get over 10,000 reactions, and the TOI already has 2.5 million followers.
Netflix
Netflix is an interesting use case of how companies and brands can use WhatsApp Channels. As WhatsApp Channels don't allow any exchange between admins and followers, it's mostly a channel for creating awareness as opposed to generating leads or sales.
Netflix posts very short texts and questions to peak the audience's curiosity, followed by images and videos.
In their approach, Netflix works with WhatsApp Channels as a storytelling tool, which is a smart way to keep followers coming back to a channel. This strategy is very successful, as Netflix already has almost twelve million followers.
Best practices: 6 tips for successful WhatsApp Channel broadcasts
These examples of different WhatsApp Channels show that the feature allows you to broadcast updates to your audience in many different ways.
Since the feature is still brand new, it might take a little trial and error to figure out the best way to grow your channel. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Be very thoughtful with your posts
Since your updates are public, not only people that follow your channel but anybody who uses WhatsApp can see your updates, at least from the past 30 days. This means that you're not sending posts to a private group, but to the public.
Users are also able to download any files you share. So, just be mindful of the open space that WhatsApp Channels are.
2. Keep your updates to the point
The purpose of WhatsApp Channels is to share relevant updates with your followers. So, don't write a novel, but keep your posts short and simple. Since your posts will also be mostly read on mobile devices, it can be a bad user experience if they're too long.
We recommend focusing on one message or one topic per post, and being as concise as possible.
3. Share images and videos
Like with any social media channels, images and videos typically generate more engagement than text.
4. Provide helpful information
Think about what your followers might want to hear from you. Do you want to share your daily life, give them a behind-the-scenes inside look, or do you simply want to share news? Whatever your main goal is, make sure that the content is actually useful for your audience.
We recommend sharing tips and tricks, hacks, how-tos, or inside knowledge.
5. Share information that is timely
Think of WhatsApp Channels like a news broadcast. Nobody thinks of something that happened last month as exciting news anymore. That's why it's recommended to share content that is current and up-to-date.
That way, your followers will also know that whenever they check in with your channel, they'll see the latest news.
6. Respect the guidelines
WhatsApp has set some guidelines for content and behavior on WhatsApp Channels. Make sure that you, but also your fans, respect them.
Alternatives to WhatsApp Channels
If you think that WhatsApp Channels are not the best way for your company or brand to connect with customers, there are some alternatives.
Small businesses might be better off with the WhatsApp broadcasts on the WhatsApp Business App, and if you're looking at more powerful marketing tools for your campaigns that goes beyond just increasing brand awareness, the WhatsApp marketing notifications are the way to go.
If you're not sure, we recommend trying different tools to see what works best for your business.
Try Sinch Engage for free, and get access to WhatsApp templates, chatbots, and advanced analytics.
