Instagram is coming up with a new feature named Channels which will let creators make a broadcast channel and engage better with their followers. The feature, similar to the one available on Telegram, will allow users to broadcast a message directly to their followers.
The announcement was made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on February 16. The feature is now slowly being rolled out to creators in the US. So what exactly is the new Channels option, and how to use it on Instagram? Read on to find out.
What is Instagram’s New Channels Feature?
Channels will enable creators to keep their followers updated with their content. It is different from the Stories in the sense that it lets you engage with your followers more directly as a message. Channels will support content like text, images, and polls, among others.
Zuckerberg announced that only creators would be able to create a broadcast channel, which can be joined by their followers, who will be able to react to content and participate in polls. The feature can be particularly used to get feedback on things and promote new content.
In the coming months, Channels will also be adding some interesting new options, such as bringing another influencer into the channel for collaboration. As of now, only Instagram is getting the feature, but it will also be rolled out to Facebook and Messenger soon.
Zuckerberg has now created his own Channel, which can be joined by his followers. “We’re starting to roll out Instagram channels — a new broadcast chat feature. I’m starting a channel to share news and updates on all the products and tech we’re building at Meta. It will be the place I share Meta product news first,” he said, launching the feature.
How to Use the Channels Feature on Instagram?
Once users get access to the feature, they can head to their Instagram DMs to create a broadcast channel. They can then send their first message, after which their followers will receive a one-time notification to join their channel. Once the channel is created, users can also put it up in their stories and pin it to their profile to let more followers join it.
Only those who join the channel will receive notifications once the creator broadcasts a message. However, all the followers will be able to see and interact with the content once they open the channel. Followers will be able to mute or leave the channel at any time.
Only Creators Have Gotten Access to the Feature Currently
Meta has currently rolled out the Channels feature to a handful of creators as an initial test. These creators include Austin Sprinz (@austin_sprinz), Chloe Kim (@chloekim), David Allen (@ToTouchanEmu), FaZe Rug, (@fazerug), Flau’jae Johnson, (@flaujae), Gilbert Burns (@gilbert_burns), and Josh Richards (@joshrichards).
Karen Cheng (@karenxcheng), Katie Feeney (@katiefeeneyy), Lonnie IIV (@LonnieIIV), Mackenzie Dern (@mackenziedern), Mikaela Shiffrin (@mikaelashiffrin), Tank Sinatra (@tank.sinatra) and Valkyrae (@valkyrae) are also a part of the test.
What are your thoughts on the Channels feature? Let us know in the comments section.
