WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that gives channel admins more control over how their updates appear. The new admin profiles allow admins to create a separate identity for posting updates in WhatsApp channels.

The feature is currently rolling out to some beta testers on Android. According to WABetaInfo, it is available with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.33.7.

WhatsApp Starts Rolling Out Admin Profiles for Channels

With the new feature, channel admins can create a profile with a custom name and profile photo. This profile is separate from their personal WhatsApp account.

This means followers will not see the admin’s personal name or profile photo by default. Their phone number also remains hidden. Admins can therefore maintain a separate identity when managing a channel.

The feature can also be useful for people who manage multiple channels. Each channel can have its own admin profile, allowing admins to use different names and photos for different channels.

How to Enable the Feature

Admins can enable the feature through their channel settings. A new option called “Show admin profile on updates” appears in the settings for supported accounts.

The option is turned off by default. Admins need to enable it manually if they want their profile to appear with their posts. They can also turn it off later from the channel information screen.

Once enabled, WhatsApp allows the admin to create a dedicated profile. The profile name can contain up to 25 characters, and admins can also add a photo.

WhatsApp shows a preview before the profile is saved. This lets admins check how their name and photo will appear alongside channel updates.

Followers Can See Who Posted an Update

After the feature is enabled, the admin’s chosen name and photo will appear with the updates they publish.

This could make channels easier to manage when several admins are involved. Followers will be able to identify which admin posted a particular update instead of seeing content without a clear individual identity.

Admins can also change their profile name or photo whenever they want.

Personal Details Remain Private

One of the main points of the feature is the separation between the channel profile and the admin’s personal account.

Admins can select a completely different name and photo for their channel profile. Their personal WhatsApp details are not displayed to channel followers. The phone number also remains hidden.

This gives channel admins more flexibility while maintaining the privacy of their personal accounts.

Currently Limited to Beta Testers

WhatsApp is gradually rolling out admin profiles to selected Android beta testers. Not every user with version 2.26.33.7 will necessarily have access to the feature yet.

The feature may reach more beta testers in the coming weeks. However, WhatsApp has not confirmed when admin profiles will become available to all users on the stable version of the app.

For now, the feature provides channel admins with a simple way to identify themselves while keeping their personal WhatsApp identity separate.