On 16 February 2023, Instagram officially launched the ‘Broadcast Channel’ Feature for all. This feature is only available for professionals or creators.
What are Instagram Broadcast Channels?
Broadcast channels are a public messaging tool that enables creators to send messages to their entire follower base. Unlike direct messages, broadcast channels are one-to-many messaging tools, allowing creators to reach a larger audience.
Followers receive a one-time notification to join the channel after the creator sends their first message. Once they join, they will receive notifications whenever there are updates, and they can react to content and vote in polls.
How to Create Instagram Broadcast Channel?
Creating a broadcast channel on Instagram is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a broadcast channel on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and tap the message icon in the top right corner to access your Direct Messages.
- Tap the “Create a Broadcast Channel” icon (three dots and a plus sign) in the top right corner.
- Give your broadcast channel a name.
- Tap “Create Broadcast Channel.”
- Once your broadcast channel is created, you can start sending messages to all of your followers who join the channel.
- Your followers will receive a one-time notification inviting them to join the channel when you send the first message.
That’s it! Now you can start using your broadcast channel to engage with your followers and share exclusive content with them.
Remember to follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone on the channel.
Instagram hasn’t realeasd this feature for everyone, it is limited creators and professionals. However, you can join the waitlist for early access.
NOTE
How to Join Broadcast Channel?
To join a broadcast channel on Instagram, you can follow these steps:
- Access the broadcast channel link via a creator’s profile, the link pinned to their Instagram profile below their bio, or as an existing follower, a one-time notification sent when a creator starts a new channel.
- Tap “Join broadcast channel.” People who are not yet following the creator will be prompted to do so.
- After joining the channel, followers can react to content and vote in polls, but cannot send messages.
- They can also share a link to their favorite creators’ broadcast channels so friends can follow and join.
Creators can also encourage their followers to join by using the “join channel” sticker in stories or by pinning the channel link to their profile (coming soon).
It’s important to note that notifications will default to “some,” but this setting can be changed to “all” or “none.”
Other than the invitation notification, followers will not get any other notifications about a broadcast channel unless they add the channel to their inbox.
Once a channel is added to their inbox, it will appear among other message threads, and notifications will be turned on and function like any other chat.
READ ALSO: How to Create Your Telegram Bot?
How to Add Another Creator to Your Instagram Broadcast Channel?
Creators can add another creator to their Instagram Broadcast Channel to discuss upcoming collaborations or crowdsource questions for an “ask me anything” session. Here’s how to do it:
- Tap on the “i” button on the top right corner of the channel.
- Tap on the “Add Another Creator” option.
- Enter the username of the creator you want to add.
- Tap on the “Add” option.
How to get access to Broadcast Channel?
Currently, Instagram is testing broadcast channels with a handful of creators in the United States and plans to expand access in the coming months.
If you’re a creator interested in gaining access to this feature, you can sign up for the waitlist on your mobile device.
What can I post on Instagram broadcast channel?
On Instagram Broadcast Channel, creators can post a variety of content formats including text, photos, videos, voice notes, and polls.
The feature is designed to give creators a platform to engage with their followers at scale and share behind-the-scenes moments, updates, and exclusive content.
The Bottom Line
Overall, broadcast channels are an exciting new feature for creators to deepen their connections with their followers and offer unique, behind-the-scenes content that is not available on their public feed.
As Instagram continues to expand this feature and rolls it out to more creators, it will be interesting to see how this tool transforms the way creators interact with their followers.
