WhatsApp is testing a helpful new feature that will let you automatically move between channels that have unread posts, according to WABetaInfo. This time-saving update is currently rolling out to some beta testers.
The new feature comes in Android beta update version 2.25.13.4. It helps users quickly jump between channels they haven’t caught up with yet, making it much easier to stay updated without endless scrolling.
What Are WhatsApp Channels?
WhatsApp channels are like one-way broadcasting tools where creators, businesses, or famous people can share updates with followers. Think of them like TV channels you can subscribe to, but on WhatsApp. Many people follow several channels, which can make keeping up with all the new posts difficult.
How The New Navigation Works
The new feature works in a simple but clever way. It shows you only channels with unread messages and then automatically takes you to the next unread channel after you finish reading the current one. It’s like having a remote control that automatically switches to shows with new episodes!
When you finish reading all updates in one channel, a special button appears that lets you jump directly to the next channel that has new content. This means:
- Less time wasted scrolling through channels you’ve already read
- Automatic skipping of channels with no new content
- Easier discovery of updates you might have missed
- Simpler way to catch up when you follow many channels
Also Read: WhatsApp’s new offline translation tool lets users translate messages in 5 major languages while keeping chats private and secure. Read Here.
Who Gets This Feature And When?
Right now, this feature is available to some beta testers through the Google Play Beta Program. Beta testers are people who volunteer to try out new versions of apps before they’re officially released – like getting a preview before a movie comes to theaters.
WhatsApp hasn’t shared exactly how many testers are getting this update. However, the company plans to make it available to more users in the coming weeks, following their usual step-by-step testing approach.
| Old Way | New Way |
|---|---|
| Manually scroll through all channels | Automatically jump to unread channels |
| Need to remember which ones you’ve checked | System remembers for you |
| Easy to miss new content | Less chance of missing updates |
| Time-consuming | Much faster |
Why This Matters For Users
This update is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve how people interact with channels. The company is focusing on two important areas:
User engagement – This means how much people use and interact with channels. Think of it like measuring how often you visit a shop and what you do while you’re there. WhatsApp tracks things like how long you spend reading channels, what you click on, and what you share with friends.
Content discovery – This refers to how easily people find new or interesting channel updates. It’s like measuring how quickly you can find a good movie to watch on a streaming service. WhatsApp looks at how many new posts you see and how you interact with recommended content.
By making it easier to move between unread channels, WhatsApp hopes you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying the content you’re interested in.
Part Of Bigger Improvements
This new navigation feature is just one piece of WhatsApp’s larger plan to make channels more useful. The company has been steadily adding new features to improve how people find and interact with channel content.
In conclusion, if you follow many WhatsApp channels, this update will make your life much easier by automatically guiding you through unread content. While only some beta testers can use it now, most WhatsApp users should get this helpful feature in the coming weeks. The days of endless scrolling to find new channel content may soon be over!
