Broadcast: Instagram Broadcast Channels are now available globally: How it works and new features – Times of India
In February, Instagram started testing broadcastchannels to help creators “deepen their connections with their followers”.The company explains Broadcast channels as “a public one-to-many messaging tool that creators can invite all of their followers into and share text, video and photo updates.”
With this tool, creators can also use voice notes to share their latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Moreover, Instagram broadcast channels can also be used to create polls to crowdsource fan feedback. it is important to note that only creators can send messages in broadcast channels, while followers can only react to content and vote in polls. Followers won’t be able to comment or share content on these channels.
How do Broadcast Channels work
Once a creator gets access to broadcast channels and sends the first message from their Instagram inbox, their followers will receive a one-time notification to join the channel. Anyone can discover the broadcast channel and view the content, but only followers who join the channel will receive notifications whenever there are updates.
Followers can leave or mute broadcast channels at any time and can also control their notifications from creators by going to a creator’s profile, tapping the bell icon and selecting “broadcast channel.”
Notifications will be set as default for “some,” and this setting can also 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.
As soon as the broadcast channel is live, 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.
How to join a broadcast channel
Instagram users can access the broadcast channel link via a creator’s Story sticker or the link pinned to their Instagram profile. Existing followers will also get a one-time notification when a creator starts a new channel.
Users have to tap the “Join broadcast channel” option and 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 favourite creators’ broadcast channels so friends can follow and join.
New and upcoming features
Instagram has also shared updates on new and upcoming features. The company claims that these features will make broadcast channels “even more fun and interactive”.
Collaborators feature will enable creators to invite other creators (or fans) to participate in their broadcast channel. Whether it’s an expert interview or a casual hangout, fans will be able to follow conversations between their favourite creators and their special guests. This feature is now available globally.
Instagram is also testing additional features such as the ability for creators to use question prompts to gather feedback and responses from followers. The platform is also testing a dedicated channels tab in the inbox for users to easily access their joined channels and discover new ones. These are in early testing and are not yet available in India.
Lastly, the company is also exploring new controls to help creators manage and promote their broadcast channels. For example, setting an expiration date and time on their channel, adding a moderator to help manage members, messages and content and sharing a link or even a preview to Stories to encourage followers to join.
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