Instagram is expanding the availability of its broadcast channels feature, a one-way messaging function similar to Telegram, to a wider audience. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the global rollout of the feature on his own channel. Previously, it was limited to select creators on the platform.
With broadcast channels, users can send messages to their followers, who can react and participate in polls, but cannot respond directly. Zuckerberg has utilized his channel to share announcements and updates about Meta’s products.
Creators can utilize various media formats, including text updates, images, videos, and audio clips, to engage with their audience. They also have the option to invite others to join their channel as collaborators. Zuckerberg has previously engaged in a public chat with Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, on his channel.
Following its introduction to WhatsApp last week, Meta plans to bring channels to a wider audience on the messaging platform in the coming months. Additionally, the company intends to introduce the feature to Facebook and Messenger.
In parallel, Meta is working on the development of a text-based “decentralized social network” as a competitor to Twitter. Reports suggest that this service will function as a standalone platform, connected to the networking protocol powering Mastodon, with the option to log in using an Instagram account to populate user profiles.
The expansion of Instagram’s broadcast channels provides creators with a powerful tool to engage with their followers on a broader scale. It also showcases Meta’s commitment to enhancing its platforms with new features and exploring decentralized social networking alternatives.
