WhatsApp Introduces Feature to Change Community Admins Easily

WhatsApp is enhancing its Communities feature, allowing admins to transfer ownership, simplifying leadership transitions. Additionally, new controls for Status Updates are being tested, offering users greater sharing flexibility.

Introduction of WhatsApp Communities (November 2022)

• Feature Launch: WhatsApp introduced a new feature called "Communities."

• Purpose: To unite people from several groups under a common umbrella.

• Target Users: Designed for neighbourhoods, parents at schools, workplaces, etc.

• Functionality: Connect multiple groups together to organize group conversations more effectively.

Announcement and Adoption

• Official Announcement: Announced in a blog post by WhatsApp.

• Global Usage: The feature is now widely used by WhatsApp users around the world.

Upcoming Enhancements (Reported by WA Beta Info)

• Future Update: WhatsApp is planning to enhance the Communities feature.

• New Capability: Users will soon be able to transfer ownership of their communities.

• Admin Changes: This means that community admins can be changed by transferring ownership.

Beta Testing (WhatsApp Beta for Android Version 2.24.11.18)

• Feature in Beta: The new admin transfer feature is being tested.

• Beta Update Details: Available in the latest beta update on the Google Play Store.

• Purpose of the Feature: To simplify the process of handing over administrative responsibilities within WhatsApp communities.

Functionality and Benefits

• Smooth Transition: The feature ensures a smooth transition of ownership.

• Admin Privileges: When ownership is transferred, the original admin relinquishes primary administrative privileges (e.g., ability to disable the entire community).

• Admin Status: The original admin remains a community admin unless demoted or removed by the new owner or other admins.

User Experience Enhancement

• Facilitating Leadership Transitions: Expected to enhance user experience by making leadership transitions easier.

• Beneficial Scenarios: Particularly useful when admins need to step back due to personal reasons or changing priorities.

• Support Role: Admins can still remain involved in supporting the community.

Current Testing Phase

• Refinement: The feature is currently being tested and refined.

• Future Rollout: More details will emerge as WhatsApp prepares for a broader rollout in future updates.

Additional Features in Development

• Control Over Status Updates: WhatsApp is also working on giving users more control over who can view their Status Updates.

• Audience Selector: A new audience selector feature is being tested.

• Beta Testing: Beta testers can access this feature to review their audience before posting status updates.

• Enhanced Sharing Experience: Allows users to change their audience by selecting favourite contacts, ensuring their content reaches the intended recipients.