Keeping up with new social media platforms has been a whole different ballgame lately. First, there was Lemon8, and then Threads. Now, WhatsApp Channels has entered the chat.
It’s basically a new broadcast feature – similar to Telegram Channels – announced in June. You can follow channels from publications, businesses, and government agencies to keep up with their latest updates. If you were wondering why it’s still quite hush hush for now, that’s because it’s still in its soft launch phase – with the feature available in only Singapore and Colombia.
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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.
As the feature is still new, we found it rather difficult to find businesses and publications to follow. But 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:
We can’t start this round up before we do our own self promo, can we? Over at TheSmartLocal’s WhatsApp channel, stay updated on the latest and most exciting things to do in Singapore. If you want to share hilarious Spotify Singapore regions playlists with your gang, simply copy and paste the post on WhatsApp to send in your group chats.
Follow TheSmartLocal’s channel.
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.
There are 2 types of people in the world: those who live to eat to live, and foodies who live to eat. If you’re part of the latter, you need Eatbook in your arsenal. Follow their channel to be the first to know about new Instagrammable cafes, the best hidden gems at hawker centres, and food deals.
Follow Eatbook’s 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.
Image credit: Must Share News
Follow MS News’ channel.
Want to do some good so you can balance out your karma after catching up on the latest political gossip as if it’s the latest season of Single’s Inferno? Food From The Heart has got call outs where you can sign up to volunteer and help the less fortunate in Singapore.
Follow Food From The Heart’s 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.
Are you team Oppenheimer, Barbie, or both – watched in a particular order in IMAX? Whether you’re a casual movie goer or film buff, SG New Movies & Show 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 & Shows’ channel.
We love reading inspirational and relatable perspectives from everyday Singaporean women – and Zula is coming in clutch with articles on women empowerment, beauty tips, and the hottest new shopping spots for girlies in Singapore.
Follow Zula’s 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.
Any new homeowner can relate to getting stuck in an endless blackhole on Pinterest when looking for home decor inspiration. But what if you could have it all in one place? For curated tips on the perfect BTO home and a millennial’s guide to their first home, let Uchify be your best friend.
Follow Uchify’s 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.
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. WhatsApp Channels may be a new feature, but with these 13 new ones to follow, we’re excited for the future it holds.
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