Audio Library has rolled out on WhatsApp Channels
WhatsApp is letting admins of Channels add licensed music to their content within the app.
Last week, WhatsApp set about rolling out Audio Library to Whatsapp Channels. As of the 28th of February, this update is available in all territories where WhatsApp has already launched Audio Library.
Meta-owned Whatsapp has its own built-in Audio Library, which enables users to add snippets of music to status updates – as long as the update is a video or image. The free messaging service tested Audio Library in November last year in Egypt, Malaysia, and Germany.
WhatsApp Channels are one-to-many messaging groups, where admins can broadcast updates to followers. Individuals cannot respond in Channels, but can react to messages with emojis, as well as vote in polls. Back in 2023, Bad Bunny created his own Channel, and quickly became the 5th most popular channel on the platform. With the addition of Audio Library, Channels will become an even more advantageous avenue for artists to connect and engage with fans.
The rollout of Audio Library in Channels was timed to coincide with the BRIT awards, emphasising its significance to both artists and music fans. Artists can share snipepts of new single releases, getting fans excited for upcoming album releases. Additionally, music clips can be used alongside marketing campaigns, like engaging fans by throwing back to old releases.
Only Channel admins will have the ability to add licensed music from the Audio Library to their content. According to WhatsApp, this includes sharing music snippets with album art images and animations, and adding music to existing images and videos.
WhatsApp is keen to position itself as a tool for artists and a destination for music fans, far beyond just a messaging service. “We hope that this can become an important tool for you and your artists as you look to engage fans across our Family of Apps.”
You can find out more general information about WhatsApp Channels here.