Keeping up with new social media platforms has been a whole different ball game lately. While TikTok can be considered one of the most popular platforms now, there are also newer ones such as Lemon8 and Threads. Now, WhatsApp Channels has entered the chat.
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It’s a broadcast feature that’s similar to Telegram Channels, announced in June 2023. You can follow channels from publications, businesses, and government agencies to keep up with their latest updates. When it was first launched, the feature was available in only Singapore and Colombia. However, it’s now been rolled up globally to over 150 countries.
Here’s how to start using it: all you have to do is head to the “Updates” tab when you open the app. From there, click on the “Find Channels” button – or the “+” icon at the top right hand corner of your screen. Simply search for the channel you’re looking for, hit follow, and et voila.
We’ve rounded up some Singapore-based ones you should follow and send to your family group chats – to break up your uncle’s boomer “good morning” photos. Simply add them via the links below:
It’s official, Singaporeans have the strongest passport in the world. While you’re ticking off all your bucketlist destinations, you don’t have to go broke doing it. SG Travel Promos’ channel will hook you up with the latest lobangs like promotional fares to your favourite destinations – and useful info about travel scams you should know about.
Follow SG Travel Promos’ channel.
When it comes to TSL’s sister sites, Must Share News is that smart older sibling who’s working a stable government job, but is lowkey chaotic. For news, deep dives, and even hilarious memes on current affairs in Singapore, let this be your go-to resource.
Follow MS News’ channel.
“Singapore is boring,” says no one ever, especially if they’re following SG Weekend Plans. From free concerts to the lowdown on new shopping malls in Singapore, this channel will make sure you’re not just spending your weekends at home watching Netflix.
Follow SG Weekend Plans’ channel.
Whether you’re a casual movie goer or film buff, SG New Movies needs to be on your Whatsapp Channels follow list. They’ve got updates on upcoming concerts in Singapore, too – so you’ll be the first to know of any new tours.
Follow SG New Movies channel.
Who doesn’t like free stuff? If hunting for lobangs is your passion, hit follow on SG Giveaway & Freebies’ Whatsapp channel. Trust us, you’ll be the first to know of any hot deals.
Follow SG Giveaways & Freebies’ channel.
We all have that one friend who takes Grab or Gojek to go, literally everywhere. Or perhaps, you are that friend. Because we all need to survive inflation, follow SG Cab Promos, which shares deals and discount codes to help you shave a few dollars off your total fare.
Follow SG Cab Promos’ channel.
The best part about being a student is getting to enjoy discounts literally everywhere. If you want to keep yourself updated on the latest ones – from $0.60 milk tea to student meal at Sushi Tei, SG Student Promos‘ channel will have you sorted.
Follow SG Student Promos’ channel.
Food lobangs are the best kind of lobangs – and at SG Food Deals‘ channel, you can eat your heart out without going broke. 1-for-1 burgers? Count us in.
Follow SG Food Deals’ channel.
Calling all fitspo queens and kings – run, don’t walk to SG Fitness & Health’s WhatsApp channel for the latest events and promos. Hey, you can clock in physical activity on your fitness tracker while you’re at it.
Follow SG Fitness & Health’s channel.
She’s everything, he’s just Ken. If you’re on a personal mission to become “That Girl”, SG Budget Babes‘ channel has all the tips you need to pamper yourself while still sticking to your monthly budget. You can thank us later.
Follow SG Budget Babes’ channel.
Fellow gamers, you’re in good company at SG Tech & Games‘ channel. You’ll get first dibs on gaming news, whether it’s about free new games Steam is giving away or a free demo of Spells & Secrets.
Follow SG Tech & Games’ channel.
Nobody said adulting was easy. But it’s SG Adulting 101 to the rescue, with TED Talks recommendations and info on courses that you can sign up for to upskill yourself.
Follow SG Adulting 101’s channel.
Whether you’re looking to apply for your first BTO or investing in a condo unit, hit the “follow” button on SG Property & Deals‘ WhatsApp channel.
Follow SG Property & Deals’ channel.
Parents would know how difficult it can be to entertain the young ones. Follow SG Parent Things, and you’ll never run out of ideas again.
Follow SG Parent Things’ channel.
If you’re like every other Singaporean, typical weekends are meant for JB. But when long weekends roll around, it’s time to head further – KL. Give KL Weekend a follow if you’re clueless about what you can do in Malaysia’s capital that doesn’t involve the Petronas Towers. You’ll even get deals for food, attractions, and activities.
Follow KL Weekend’s channel.
The debate over who has better food – SG or MY – will never be settled. True foodies will know both offer sedap grub just anywhere. For food deals in SG, we’ve got #8, but if you’ve crossed the Causeway, hit up MY Food Promos for discounts at F&B outlets all across the country.
Follow MY Food Promos.
If you speak Bahasa Melayu, good news, the channel has a Malay counterpart – Makan Murah – so you can share it with friends and family.
Follow Makan Murah’s channel.
So, you’ve got the ring, now it’s time for the BTO. The HDB WhatsApp channel will drop reminders as to when the next BTO launches will be and even what documents you need to prepare beforehand for your application. Stick around and you’ll also get nuggets of information pertaining to how to finance your home, and even bites of fun facts about the heartlands.
Follow HDB’s channel.
Whether you want nifty tips on how to reduce your electricity usage at home and adopt a zero-waste lifestyle or just need your daily dose of chio “nature” photos, NEA Singapore has wholesome content for you. While you’re at it, also follow other government channels such as HDB and LTA.
Follow NEA’s channel.
Scams are all too common these days, from job to e-commerce ones – and sometimes we can’t help but worry that our loved ones will get caught up in one. At Ministry of Home Affairs’ channel, there are posts and infographics on red flags one can look out for to avoid being scammed. There’s no forwarding function on WhatsApp Channels now, but you can copy and paste the infographic to share with friends and family.
Follow Ministry of Home Affairs’ channel.
“Do we really need another social media platform to keep up with?” one of our colleagues was saying. To answer the question, yes we do – especially if we have family and friends who aren’t on Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram.
With WhatsApp Channels, we can choose to subscribe to the broadcast channels and get up to date with information that’s important to us. For more social media reads, we’ve also got a list of telegram channels and bots you should follow, as well as a guide to Threads by Instagram.
Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 8th September 2024.
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