WhatsApp has rolled out a test mode update that gathers sent photo and video files from across channels into a single, organized album. Reports indicate the feature to group media content is visible in the Android beta version 2.23.26.16, as noted by WABetainfo. This enhancement marks a shift in how channel media is consolidated, making it easier to manage and review shared visuals in one place.
By tapping into an album, users can browse all images and videos in a gallery-style layout without needing to open each item separately. This streamlined approach helps viewers skim through channel media quickly, improving overall usability and efficiency when consuming content from multiple posts.
The capability to assemble albums automatically has been present in WhatsApp chats and groups for several years, but it had not previously extended to channels in a way that builds albums from incoming media across posts. The beta release brings channel-specific automation, presenting media in a cohesive, visually cohesive collection that feels like a dedicated media library within the channel experience.
Industry observers note that the automatic album creation feature in WhatsApp channels offers a clear benefit to channel owners. It enhances the management of media shared within a channel by grouping images and videos into a single album, which can simplify navigation and improve the subscriber experience. The result is a cleaner presentation that makes it easier for members to locate and replay media without painstakingly scrolling through individual posts. This aligns with WhatsApp’s broader aim of improving accessibility and engagement across its messaging ecosystem.
Previously WhatsApp allowed pinning messages in group chats, a feature that helped highlight important posts within a conversation. The new channel album capability complements this by providing a visually organized way to present media, reducing clutter and enabling a faster, more intuitive media discovery process for subscribers across channels.