WhatsApp could launch a private newsletter tool soon
The newsletter space saw an uptick in activity during the pandemic. However, the excitement has slowly died down. That does not mean that the space has no potential. It seems WhatsApp has realized this. Per WABetaInfo, the popular instant messaging platform is working on a new feature codenamed "Newsletter." WhatsApp's entry could change the dynamics of the newsletter space.
Why does this story matter?
The newsletter industry is a tiny but burgeoning one. However, its growth has slowed down since the COVID-19 pandemic. WhatsApp, with two billion daily active users, can be the catalyst the industry has been waiting for. It might spell trouble for competitors like Substack. The messaging app will be able to provide users with the best newsletter experience.
Newsletter will be a one-to-many tool for broadcasting
There isn't much information about WhatsApp's Newsletter at the moment. According to WABetaInfo, it will be a "one-to-many" tool for broadcasting information. This will be a new way for users to receive updates from people and groups. Unlike the app's other features, Newsletters won't have end-to-end encryption, as there is no practical benefit of end-to-end encryption in the one-to-many design.
It will be a separate section under the Status tab
WABetaInfo combed through the code to find more clues about WhatsApp's Newsletter feature. Based on that, Newsletters will be a separate and optional section under the Status tab. Since the Status tab itself is separate from private messages, Newsletters won't affect the privacy of private chats. Although Newsletters won't have end-to-end encryption, the phone numbers of subscribers and creators will be masked.
Users will be in control of who they follow
WhatsApp's Newsletters will reportedly be a personal space. Users will control what they see, when they see it, and from whom they see it. The feature will support handles, making it easy for users to search for their favorite creators. No one will be able to see who someone follows. The company has marked it as a private tool.
There will not be algorithmic recommendations
WhatsApp's Newsletters won't have any ads, reported WABetaInfo. The company might, however, run advertisements in the future. Users will only see the content they choose, so there won't be any algorithmic recommendations. The content will appear chronologically like any WhatsApp chat.
