- A Telegram channel is better if you want admin comments, view counts, and multiple admins.
- WhatsApp has a dedicated Channels section where you can discover new channels and see your joined channels.
WhatsApp Channels vs Telegram Channels: Key Differences
| Feature | WhatsApp Channels | Telegram Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement and Interaction | One-way broadcast | One-way broadcast Six basic emojis Optional group linking for discussions |
| Subscribers vs. Followers | Followers | Subscribers |
| Privacy of Members and Admin | Members and admin anonymity (unless added to contacts) | Members and admin anonymity (unless added to contacts) Optional admin name display in Telegram messages |
| Visibility in the App | Dedicated Channels section | No dedicated channel section |
| Ability to Find and Discover Channels | Dedicated Channels section with categories and search | Search by name |
| View Counter | Not available (except for admins) | View count visible to all |
| Number of Admins | Single admin | Multiple admins allowed |
| Notifications | Muted by default | There is no dedicated channel section |
1. Engagement and Interaction
However, both services offer different interaction or feedback options for messages. In WhatsApp channels, you can interact with six basic emojis. Currently, you cannot interact using custom emojis.
On the other hand, Telegram offers a wide variety of emojis, and the admin can choose which emojis to allow for reactions. Furthermore, the admin can even link a group to the Telegram channels where discussions regarding channel updates can take place.
Tip : Know the difference between Telegram channels and groups .
3. Privacy of Members and Admin
What makes channels different from groups is that members cannot see other participants. This is true for both WhatsApp and Telegram channels. Furthermore, the admin cannot see the participants’ names unless they are added to their contact list. Both services also let you see the total number of members.
Moreover, the anonymity of the admin is also maintained in both services, i.e., participants cannot see who the admin is. The messages are received with the channel’s name. However, Telegram offers a feature that allows users to add their admin’s name to messages.
Tip : Check out 3+ ways to hide WhatsApp chats
4. Visibility in the App
On the contrary, WhatsApp has a dedicated section for channels. Tap on the Updates tab at the bottom, and you will be greeted by the Status and Channels section. Scroll down to the Channels section, and you will see the list of channels you have joined, followed by the Find channels section. Tap on See all to see a whole new world of channels.
5. Ability to Find and Discover Channels
To discover new Telegram channels , use the common search icon at the top of the home screen. Type the channel name, and it will appear in the search results.
WhatsApp has a dedicated Channels section to discover new channels and see your joined channels. What’s even more interesting is that you can filter WhatsApp channels by country. And, of course, the search icon will further let you discover new channels.
6. View Counter
7. Number of Admins
Telegram lets you add additional admins to a channel. However, this feature is unavailable in WhatsApp channels as of writing this post.
Tip: Know the rights and powers of admin in WhatsApp groups
8. Lifetime of Messages
In both cases (WhatsApp and Telegram), messages will remain on the channel until the admin or the sender deletes them.
9. Notifications
WhatsApp channels are muted by default. If you join a WhatsApp channel , you will not receive its notifications because it is muted. You need to unmute a WhatsApp channel to receive its notifications manually. To do so, open the channel and tap on the bell with a bar icon to unmute it.
On the other hand, Telegram channels aren’t muted by default. However, once you join a channel, you will see a big Mute button at the bottom of the channel. Moreover, you can also send silent messages via Telegram channels.
Similarities Between Telegram and WhatsApp Channels
| Feature | Telegram/WhatsApp |
|---|---|
| Type of Content | Both allow text, links, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. |
| Number of Channel Participants | Unlimited in both |
| Types of Channels | Both allow private and public channels |
| Message Forwarding | Forwarded messages include the channel’s name and link. |
