Meta Expands Broadcast Channels on Instagram, Allowing Creators to Share Exclusive Content with Followers

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has recently announced the global rollout of the Channels feature for broadcasting messages. Initially limited to select creators and users, this feature allows creators to share text, video, and photo updates exclusively with their invited and subscribed followers. The testing for broadcast channels began in February of this year and has now expanded to users worldwide. It’s important to note that only creators have the ability to send messages within these broadcast channels, while followers can react to content and participate in polls.

In a blog post on June 15, Meta confirmed the global availability of Broadcast Channels. Once granted access to create a channel, creators can start sending messages and invite their followers to join. Followers who join the channel will receive notifications whenever the creator updates it. However, it’s worth mentioning that all Instagram users will be able to view the content posted on these channels.

Followers have the flexibility to exit a channel or mute notifications at any time according to their preferences.

If you’re an Instagram creator and wish to create a broadcast channel using your Android or iOS device, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open your Instagram page and select the messenger icon located at the top right corner of your feed.

Step 2: Tap on the edit or write message icon at the top right.

Step 3: Select the “Create broadcast channel” option.

Step 4: Name your broadcast channel and choose your intended audience.

Step 5: You can choose to showcase the channel on your profile.

Step 6: Finally, tap on “Create broadcast channel” to complete the process.

To join a broadcast channel, users can either click on an access link shared by the creator or tap on the link pinned to their Instagram profile. By selecting the “Join broadcast channel” option, they will be subscribed to receive notifications whenever there are updates. Followers can actively engage by reacting to content and participating in polls. However, they will not have the ability to send any messages within the channel.

With the introduction of Broadcast Channels, Instagram aims to provide creators with a dedicated space to share exclusive content with their followers while fostering increased engagement and interactivity within the platform.