INSTAGRAM has launched a new one-way messaging option for a select number of users, according to Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg.
It’s part of a new broadcast chat feature on Instagram called Channels.
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The feature lets creators share public messages to their followers, instead of using Instagram’s Stories or Live feature.
But it is also a way to bring one-way messaging to the app.
Channels includes text-based messages, as well as images, polls, reactions and more. Pretty much everything creators currently use Stories for.
However, before you get too excited – the feature is first being trialled with a handful of creators in the US.
Although it is expected to be rolled out more widely in the coming months.
It mirrors popular messaging app Telegram, which lets users send one-way texts.
It’s likely intended for creators with large followings, to keep their fans updated with what they’ve got going on.
Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta – which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – added that the company plans to bring the feature to Messenger and Facebook.
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It will likely follow a similar path to Instagram’s Stories feature, which was first launched on Instagram and later introduced to Facebook.
Zuckerberg explained that only creators can post in broadcast channels.
This means that followers who join the channels are able to react to messages and vote in polls, but can’t participate in the conversation directly.
Instagram plans to add more features to broadcast channels in the coming months.
The feature is expected to also let users bring another creator into the channel – similar to the Live option – for discussions.
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