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At 13, Louis isn’t scrolling through endless reels—he’s checking WhatsApp Channels. Here’s why a new generation sees it as the next big thing.
WhatsApp’s rising star among tweens
A recent report by the digital agency Heaven names WhatsApp as the top social network for 10- to 13-year-olds, thanks largely to its WhatsApp Channels feature launched in 2023. Unlike Instagram’s public feeds, Channels sit quietly alongside Status updates—no likes, no comments, just the content you choose to follow. I remember my niece showing me her favourite news Channel, grinning as she scrolled through crisp headlines faster than I could open my browser.
How WhatsApp Channels work
Accessed via the Updates tab, Channels let influencers, news outlets and even football clubs broadcast text, images or short videos in a one-way stream. Unlike chaotic group chats, there’s no ping of tag-backs or off-topic GIFs—just a tidy feed you consume at your own pace. An in-app directory helps you find Channels by theme—sports, music, education—without wading through ads or algorithmic suggestions. It’s like a private newsletter inside the app you already know.
Notification control and parental peace of mind
Channels come with notifications off by default, so teens decide when to tune in. This level of notification control appeals to parents tired of endless pings from social media apps. A study by Heaven found families view WhatsApp as less addictive and anxiety-inducing than Instagram or TikTok. No endless scroll, no algorithmic pressure—just a familiar interface where you control the noise.
