Video Instagram Broadcast Channels: advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.
Instagram Broadcast Channels: What They Are and How to Use Them
Broadcast channels are Instagram’s way of letting you message all your followers at once. One-to-many communication. You send, they receive.
How It Works
You create a channel. Followers can join it. You send messages – text, photos, videos, voice notes, polls. They see your messages but can’t reply with text (they can react with emojis).
Think of it like a group chat where only you can talk.
Setting One Up
- Go to your messages
- Tap the compose button
- Select “Create broadcast channel”
- Name it something clear
- Share the invite link
That’s it. Instagram will prompt your followers about the new channel.
What to Actually Post
Behind-the-scenes stuff. Early announcements. Exclusive content. Quick updates that don’t warrant a full post. Polls to gauge interest.
Don’t spam. People will mute or leave if you’re posting constantly. Quality over quantity.
Why Bother?
Stories disappear. Posts get buried by the algorithm. A broadcast channel goes directly to people who opted in. Higher visibility for your messages to engaged followers.
Good for creators, businesses, anyone building an audience who wants direct communication.
Limitations
Followers can’t reply (except reactions). Not a conversation tool. If you want actual discussion, use DMs or comments.
Messages don’t disappear like stories, so be thoughtful about what you share.
Getting People to Join
Share the link in your bio, stories, and posts. Mention it when you have something exclusive to share. Give people a reason to join – “early access,” “behind the scenes,” whatever makes sense for your audience.
The Honest Take
It’s another tool. Not revolutionary. Useful if you have engaged followers who want more access. Pointless if you don’t have anything worth saying beyond your regular posts.
Try it, see if your audience responds. If they don’t engage, focus on other things.
