WhatsApp testing automatic album creation for Channels

Meta-owned WhatsApp is an automatic album creation feature for channels. This feature is present in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version and it works when channel admins share multiple images and videos in their specific channels. WhatsApp now automatically organizes them into a single album. Later, channel members can easily tap it to access all the media files.  

Although this might appear as a standard feature that has been present in chats and groups for years, it was notably absent in channels. This update significantly improves the organization of media in files. The functionality operates similarly to personal chats or groups. 

As for its rollout, it is reported that this feature is currently accessible only to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta (v2.23.26.16) from the Google Play Store on Android. The timeline for its inclusion in a public release, available to everyone, remains unclear. 

Nevertheless, this is a welcome addition that will allow media-heavy channels to appear clearer, reducing unnecessary confusion. 

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also testing a new reply bar for status updates. This feature, currently in beta, allows users to easily interact with another user’s status update. Because it is consistently visible, it may increase interaction, eliminating the need to swipe up to access the reply menu. In a way, this is quite similar to Instagram, where you can directly reply to stories. It will be available for both Android and iOS users.