WhatsApp 'Channels' tab gets criticized by some users; search option from 'Status' section also missing

WhatsApp has lately come under heavy criticism for the recently introduced ‘Channels’ feature. Notably, the globally rolled-out function makes it easy for administrators to share text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.

One just needs to navigate to the ‘Updates’ tab to be able to access both the ‘Channels’ and ‘Status’ options. However, it appears that multiple users are disappointed with the feature’s functionality.

Multiple users (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) feel that the introduction of the Channels feature on the platform was unnecessary. Some even contend that the company has copied this feature directly from Telegram.

One significant point of contention is the impact this feature has on the app’s layout. Apparently, when a user follows a channel on WhatsApp, their contacts’ status updates get displayed horizontally.

And to revert to the old vertical list view, one needs to unsubscribe from all the channels. Due to this, users find this feature disruptive and not to their liking.

How do I turn this off?! I only use WhatsApp for family, I have no interest in celebs, sports or any nonsense. I just want personal updates from my family and friends. This is so much garbage.
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A few believe that the developers can potentially improve it in the near future. However, for now, they prefer not to use it. A user even claims that the platform copies most of the useful features from the likes of Telegram.

But sadly, it fails to implement them properly.

It used to be a clean and simple app man, now its getting disgusting.
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Some are now even thinking of switching to alternative messaging services like Signal.

In addition to this, people (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) believe that the recent alteration to the Status tab makes it more congested. They argue that the Channels feature should not have been added to the same page.

Users contend that they have to scroll horizontally in order to view any status. In addition to this, they are also dissatisfied as the names get shortened if one subscribes to a channel.

People feel that the company should introduce a new tab for the Channels feature. Doing so will help them declutter the interface.

I know y’all want us to keep up with our faves, but hey whatsapp is first about friends and families… Also… I smell ads coming… Give channels a different tab, thanks
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Also, users say that the developers should only provide necessary information, such as the channel’s name, just like Instagram.

Need an option to hide the channel section @WhatsApp please do the bare minimum.
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Some are also looking for ways to disable this feature permanently.

Apart from this, several users (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) assert that they can’t search for a status anymore. They are upset because now they have to scroll all the way down to view it in some cases.

This is also quite concerning for those who frequently have to scroll through hundreds of updates to be able to view the desired status.

A few have even questioned the point of removing the search functionality.

Dear @WhatsApp did you remove the search button from the updates?? 😭
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@WhatsApp why remove the search button on the Updates screen?
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Some speculate that the change was intentionally introduced with this feature. Those impacted are now requesting the company to bring back the search functionality in the Status section.

That said, we’ll keep monitoring the situation and update this article accordingly.

Note: There are more such stories in our News section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: WhatsApp.

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