How to create and join an Instagram broadcast channel
Learn what Instagram broadcast channels are, how they work, and what you need to create and join one.
Chances are that you’ve heard of Instagram broadcast channels. But what are they, how do they work, and are they right for you?
Today, we’ll cover all of that and more. Here’s what we’ll discuss:
- What is an Instagram broadcast channel?
- What are the benefits of Instagram broadcast channels?
- What are the Instagram broadcast channel requirements?
- Are Instagram broadcast channels paid?
- How to create an Instagram broadcast channel
- Why can’t I create a broadcast channel on Instagram?
- How to use Instagram broadcast channels
- How to send an Instagram broadcast channel invite
- How to join someone else’s Instagram broadcast channel
- Why can't I join an Instagram broadcast channel?
- Five tips and tricks to make the most of Instagram broadcast channels
What is an Instagram broadcast channel?
An Instagram broadcast channel is a public, one-way messaging feature which lets creators send direct message updates to their audiences. It works a little like a WhatsApp group, but the creator is the only person who can publish content.
Creators can send text-based messages, photos, videos, links, GIFs, and polls through Instagram broadcast channels. In a nutshell, it looks like a one-sided DM conversation, as the only person posting is the creator. Followers can react to messages and take part in polls, but they can’t send messages.
Instagram broadcast channels are visible to anyone using the Instagram mobile app. However, only followers can join. Once someone joins an Instagram broadcast channel, messages from said channel will appear in their DMs.
What are the benefits of Instagram broadcast channels?
Instagram broadcast channels are useful for a bunch of reasons. Let’s take a look.
They help creators overcome the algorithm
The Instagram algorithm is a shape-shifting, ever-growing beast. While the platform makes changes for users’ benefit, many creators claim that such frequent tinkering makes it hard for them to produce algorithm-friendly content.
Instagram broadcast channels deliver content to followers directly — if someone is subscribed to your broadcast channel, they’ll see your content. There’s no way it’ll be swept under the rug, downgraded, or replaced by an ad or algorithm-preferred piece of competition content. As long as the audience appetite’s there, you’re all good.
Users prefer DMs
Instagram users share more photos and videos in DMs than they do via Stories, and they share more on Stories than through the main feed. Publishing content in the broadcast channel format recreates the look and feel of DMs.
They reward loyal followers
Some creators use Instagram broadcast channels to announce exclusive merch drops, deliver exclusive content, and provide interactive experiences. For superfans, this is a perk they’ll be more than happy to use.
They help creators fine-tune their content
Given that viewers can’t directly reply to messages sent via Instagram broadcast channels, you’d think their use as a feedback tool may be limited. This is where the power of the emoji is revealed — a simple thumbs-up or -down can help creators fine-tune their content before it’s published more widely. It could be seen as a sample group, almost.
They can be curated for different audiences
Creators can run more than one Instagram broadcast channel, streamlining content and pushing it to the right people. For example, you might be a gaming influencer who specializes in Twitch play-alongs, but occasionally dabbles in rig rundowns. Some followers might not be interested in the latter, more techy stuff — create a dedicated broadcast channel for those updates. That way, you can feed that niche demand without alienating your wider audience.
This curated approach gives users the choice to see what they want, and creators the choice to prioritize content. It also works a treat with paid-for content, as you can create subscription-tier broadcast channels.
What are the Instagram broadcast channel requirements?
Creating an Instagram broadcast channel means you have to hit a couple of requirements. They are:
- You must have a Creator account, and it needs to be public. At the moment, Personal and Business accounts aren’t able to use broadcast channels. We’re crossing our fingers that this’ll change in the future, as it’ll open up more opportunities for businesses and up-and-coming creators.
- You need 10,000 followers or more. Unsure of how to hit that target? Start your journey by learning how to get 1,000 Instagram followers, then work your way up from there.
Are Instagram broadcast channels paid?
You can’t monetize Instagram broadcast channels like you would with traditional, in-stream video ads. However, you can incentivize people to pay for broadcast channel content. If you’ve activated Instagram Subscriptions, you can create a broadcast channel exclusively for paid-up members.
How to create an Instagram broadcast channel
Now that we’ve learned what an Instagram broadcast channel is and what the requirements are, let’s look at how to start your own:
- Provided you meet the requirements, head to your DMs. Once you’re there, click the pencil icon in the top right.
- Select ‘Create broadcast channel’. Here, you can choose your broadcast channel’s name, the audience, the lifetime of your channel, and whether or not to show it on your profile.
- Once you’ve confirmed those details, click ‘Create broadcast channel’ — this will send a one-time invitation to your followers. This can be shared as a link, QR code, or Story. If you’re managing multiple broadcast channels, you can glance at them all by going back to your DMs and clicking ‘Channels’.
Why can’t I create an Instagram broadcast channel?
If you’ve tried the above and have no luck, it’s worth troubleshooting a few things. Let’s run through some of the main reasons why you might not be able to create an Instagram broadcast channel:
- You don’t have a Creator account: Switching to a Creator account takes a minute, and can be done in your ‘Settings and activity’ settings. It’s nestled under ‘Account types and tools’, then ‘Switch to a professional account’. Perhaps you’ve not done it yet, or you switched back at some point.
- You dropped below the follower threshold: You need 10,000 followers to host an Instagram broadcast channel. If that number’s dipped, you may have lost the privilege.
- This feature isn’t available to everyone yet: Instagram broadcast channels are available in most corners of the globe. Maybe you’re on vacation in a country where Instagram isn’t supported — it’s worth double-checking.
How to use Instagram broadcast channels
Instagram broadcast channels’ features are deliberately basic, as they’re meant to mirror the DM experience. If it were full of fancy bells, whistles, and extras, it would lose its power.
Here’s how you can use Instagram broadcast channels’ core functions.
Publish regular content
Like we mentioned up top, you can publish a whole host of content via Instagram broadcast channels. Options like voice notes are great for more personal, ‘insider’ tidbits, while behind-the-scenes videos, sneak previews, and bloopers are also popular.
Publish subscriber-only content
If you want to make money on Instagram, broadcast channels can sweeten the deal. Create an exclusive, value-for-money broadcast channel packed with content people would be prepared to splash out on.
Publish branded content
Instagram broadcast channels could be the perfect home for branded pre-sales, previews, and more. Just remember to use the paid partnership tool to show that your message is commercially geared. If you don’t do this and get caught out, you could end up in trouble.
Collab with other creators
Instagram broadcast channels allow up to five admins on any one channel. If you have your eye on a creator with whom you’d like to collab, why not reach out? If you can secure notable guest admins, they’ll be able to drum up hype across their channels, too.
Want to add collaborators to your Instagram broadcast channel? Here’s how:
- Head to the top of your broadcast channel, then click the channel name.
- Click ‘People’, then the ‘Add’ button next to ‘Collaborators’.
- Select or search for the people you’d like to add. If you’d like to remove a collaborator, tap the ‘Remove’ option next to their name in the channel collaborator section.
How to send an Instagram broadcast channel invite
Once your Instagram broadcast channel’s up and running, it’s time to invite people. You can do this by:
- Sending your first message: Once you’ve sent your first message through your Instagram broadcast channel, followers from your main will be notified and invited.
- Sharing an invite link: You can create a shareable invite link to send through your Stories, Reels, DMs, bio, and outside Instagram’s walls.
- Sharing one-off broadcast channel messages: If you don’t want to advertise the entire channel, select and hold a single message from your broadcast channel. Tap ‘Share to Story’, and it’ll only publish that one message. People viewing that on your Story can then find and join your Instagram broadcast channel.
How to join someone else’s Instagram broadcast channel
If you’d like to join someone else’s broadcast channel, you’ll need the Instagram mobile app — it’s not doable via desktop. Once you find a creator with a broadcast channel, look at their bio. If they have a broadcast channel, it should be pinned in bold text, just above the ‘Follow/Following’ button. Click the broadcast channel and join as prompted.
Why can’t I join an Instagram broadcast channel?
Unable to join Instagram broadcast channels? Don’t sweat it — the problem’s likely a bug related to your app or device. Try the old turn it off/on trick, clear your cache, uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app, and see if that works.
Five tips and tricks to make the most of Instagram broadcast channels
Now that you know what an Instagram broadcast channel is, what the requirements are, and how to create and join one, let’s wrap up. To see us out, here are five tips and tricks to make the most of your Instagram broadcast channels.
1. Don’t be shy when using voice notes
One of Instagram broadcast channels’ most exciting features is its use of voice notes. You’d often associate voice notes with messages from a family member, or a friend gossiping about something too complicated to type.
Using voice notes gives your broadcast channel content a more personal feel. Whether it’s a larger update, teasers for upcoming content, or just stream-of-consciousness chatting, your followers will appreciate it.
2. Mix up the format
Broadcast channels accommodate a broad range of formats, so why not try them all? Sprinkle a poll here, a voice note there, a GIF every now and then — it keeps things fresh.
3. Use polls strategically
We touched on this earlier, but the poll feature isn’t to be underestimated. Polling your broadcast channel followers can help you fine-tune your next reel or story — if the votes say it’s not working, you can fix it.
4. Double-dip on important posts
We’re not suggesting that you republish every post from your main feed to your broadcast channel — that might come off as a little spammy. However, if you’ve made a big announcement on main, it’s worth double-checking that your broadcast channel followers have seen it. Even a quick ‘ICYMI’ would do the trick.
5. Host giveaways
What’s more exclusive than a members-only giveaway or prize draw? You could offer anything from shoutouts to merch, exclusive content to massive gifts — go wild. Broadcast channels are free to join, so why wouldn’t your followers want to get in on the action?
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A short post asking followers to react with a set choice of emojis should be enough. From there, you’d just choose a winner at random, or ask someone impartial to do so.
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