Last Thursday, Meta launched a new feature on the Instagram platform called Channels, which allows content creators and influencers to share news and latest updates with their fans, similar to the Channels feature, which is the most popular feature of the most popular Telegram app. Welcome features.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature by launching his own channel, the Meta Channel, which he will use to announce new updates to the company's products including: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and the company's support for the Metaverse and other planned products.
This is similar to how Telegram founder Pavel Durov uses his own channel (Durov's Channel) to share breaking news with his subscribers.
Instagram channels allow creators to send messages and updates to a large audience of subscribers who choose to follow the channel, but fans cannot post to the channel, even though they interact with the channel's content via emojis and vote in polls. .
Content creators can use text, photos, videos, and voice notes to share their latest updates and behind-the-scenes footage, and create polls to collect feedback from subscribers.
First of all, how does the Instagram channel work?
Once the channel feature is available in the app, creators will be able to start a new channel via an Instagram direct message, and subscribers will receive a one-time notification to join the channel when they send their first channel message.
Once a channel is created, creators can also encourage subscribers to join it by using the "Join Channel" tab in Stories or pinning the channel link in the (Bio) section of their account.
Subscribers who join the channel will only be notified when updates are available, although anyone who can discover the channel and view the content will only be notified if they join the channel.
Subscribers can leave the channel, turn off notifications, and control creator notifications at any time by going to their account, pressing the bell icon, and selecting Cast Channel.
Content creators who want to create a channel open to all subscribers should ensure that the audience is set to all subscribers. There is also an option to create a channel just for subscribers or supporters where they can stream content exclusive to them.
second; How to join the Instagram channel:
- You can follow the link to the channel you want to join from the join tag that the creator posted in the story, from the permalink in their account, or as an existing subscriber where you will receive a one-time notification to the creators that you are next. to activate a new channel.
- After joining the channel, click on the Join live channel option and those who are not following the content producer will be asked to follow first so that they can join his channel.
- After you join the channel, it will appear in your Instagram inbox.
- Subscribers can interact with content and take polls using emojis, but they cannot send messages. They can also share links to their favorite channels for their friends to follow and join.
third; When will the channel feature be available to everyone?
Instagram is currently testing the channel feature with select YouTubers in the US and plans to roll it out globally in the coming months. Meta's parent company also plans to launch channels to Messenger and Facebook in the coming months.
Interested creators can also register to be added to the waitlist via this link, but they will need to register over the phone.
Fourth, can I report abusive channels?
The Meta states in the post that channel features are governed by Instagram's Community Guidelines. This allows users to report the channel itself or specific content shared in the channel as it may be removed if it violates platform policies.