On February 16th, Instagram published an article on their new feature. Broadcast channels. That article goes through how it works and how people can interact using the tool. Broadcast channels are a welcome change to the app, unlike the movement of the “Add to my story” button to the bottom of the screen. Why, Instagram, why?
Table of contents
In this article we will be exploring:
- What Instagram’s Broadcast Channel feature is.
- How to create a broadcast channel.
- How to join a broadcast channel.
What is Instagram’s Broadcast Channel?
Instagram’s new feature is a one-to-many messaging tool. This Broadcast Channels feature allows creators to update their followers and subscribers on events or behind the scenes content. Videos, photos, texts, and voice notes can be shared by the creator. Followers can interact with the creator through reaction emojis and polls, but not necessarily send messages.
How do you create a broadcast channel?
There is a six-step process to follow when creating a broadcast channel.
Step 1: Open Instagram.
Step 2: Click the direct message button (or the paper plane) in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Click the message button, which is again at the top right corner of the screen, as if you’re going to write a new message.
Step 4: A “Create a Broadcast” option should appear on screen.
Step 5: After clicking on the option, name the broadcast channel.
Step 6: Click on either “Followers” or “Subscribers”. If you click on the “Followers” option, your followers won’t be automatically added to the group. They must join on their own accord. They will get a notification from you though.
How do you join a broadcast channel?
The joining process isn’t as long as the creation process. It is a one step process with three options.
Option 1: Once you receive a notification to join one of your favourite creators broadcast, click on it to join.
Option 2: Click on a Join Channel sticker that you’d find in the stories of your creators.
Option 3: The final option is clicking on the join link you’d find in the bio of the creator of your choice.
Final thoughts
Instagram plans to add more features to their broadcast channel feature in the future. This feature isn’t available worldwide yet, Instagram is taking their time implementing this feature. But we all know good things take time.
