To adapt to different scales and forms of communication needs, WhatsApp has introduced the community feature. So, what is the difference between a group and a community? Which is more suitable for promotion?
PASA will elaborate in detail the definitions, purposes, characteristics, and main differences between groups and communities, helping users better understand and use these two features of WhatsApp.
What is a Group?
Definition: A group is a feature in WhatsApp that allows users to create a private chat environment, inviting users to join and communicate in real time.
Purpose: Groups are typically used for small-scale discussions, such as event planning, casual chats, or coordination of work projects.
Characteristics: Limited number of members, focusing on close and frequent communication.
What is a Community?
Definition: A community is a newer feature in WhatsApp designed to integrate related groups under a larger framework, facilitating unified management and information dissemination.
Purpose: Communities are suitable for large organizations or social groups, such as schools, non-profit organizations, or large enterprises, which need to convey information and notifications across multiple related groups.
Characteristics: Can include multiple groups, aiding in large-scale information distribution and management.
1. Management Structure:
Group: The basic chat unit in WhatsApp, where users can discuss and share information. Groups are suitable for smaller discussion circles, such as families, friends, or work teams.
Community: A larger organizational structure composed of multiple groups. Communities allow administrators to manage and convey information more effectively to multiple related groups. For example, a school can be a community, while each class or interest group can be an independent group.
2. Page Design:
Group: Typically has a circular avatar in WhatsApp.
Community: Usually has rounded rectangular corners, allowing users to differentiate.
3. User Scale:
Group: Relatively fewer members, suitable for individuals or small teams
Community: Can include more members, suitable for large communities or organizations.
4. Announcement Group:
Group: Lacks a dedicated announcement feature, requiring information to be published individually within each group.
Community: Provides a centralized bulletin board feature, allowing administrators to post messages to all sub-group members, reducing repetitive messages.
WhatsApp's groups are designed for small-scale communication, while communities are designed for broader, hierarchical communication and management. By using communities and groups, WhatsApp users can choose the most suitable communication method according to their needs.
