Broadcast channels

Instagram broadcast channels can be found through a link pinned to a creator’s profile, and existing followers can receive a one-time notification when the creator starts a channel1. People tap “Join broadcast channel” to join; anyone not already following the creator is prompted to follow them1. Followers can share a channel link so friends can follow and join1. Creators who offer Subscriptions can set a channel’s audience to “all followers” to let every follower join, or limit the channel to paying subscribers1. Instagram’s announcement about Subscriptions describes subscriber-only channels as a place to offer special access or information5.

For a broadcast channel, Mosseri recommends choosing a name and describing the channel in a way that makes clear what people will get when they join, including when promoting it in Stories4. Instagram for Creators illustrates one approach through Blesiv, who shares everyday activities and early access to unreleased content, then invites channel members to leave particular emojis or phrases under that content so he can recognize their responses8. Mosseri also highlighted photographer Reuben’s use of a channel to sell prints9. In a conversation with Mosseri, comedy creator Ezee described feeling that her channel brought more audience engagement10. Mosseri framed experimenting with broadcast channels as an option, not a requirement for creators10.