A GWENT council is set to use WhatsApp to send messages about its services and plans straight to people’s phones.
It also says the best way for it to promote the work it does, and how communities are working with it, is to produce brief films for social media channels TikTock and Instagram.
The direct messaging service is usually used by individuals to send messages to one and other or in groups on the app but is increasingly being used by media companies keen to share their content.
Neil Jones, Torfaen Borough Council’s head of public relations, told councillors the council now has its own WhatsApp channel.
He said: “We do now have a WhatsApp Channel it’s under development and not used as much as it could be. It’s a difficult channel as it’s about brief messages.”
Mr Jones said the council’s WhatsApp could also be used to send links that will connect people to the council’s website which he described as “still an important channel.”
He also said the “best way” for the council to share news and show how it is working with communities is “short films on TikTok and Instagram of about 30 seconds. Those films don’t take 30 seconds to make but we are always looking for great examples.”
He was briefing councillors on how the council intends to communicate with the public on its proposed ‘Deal’ for redesigning services and how its helping others to deliver them rather than being responsible for directly providing them.
The proposal is due to be discussed with residents and partner bodies, including businesses and council staff, between now and December.
Mr Jones said the council also values social media apps such as Facebook and TikTok as well as sending press releases to media outlets.