Instagram has now added new updates to its Broadcast Channels feature with some new tools that will enhance the interaction between creators and users. Such updates are intended to enhance channels past simply the “like” or reaction options and allow for the user to engage with and within the channel more dynamically.
Key Updates to Broadcast Channels
Three features were introduced by Instagram for broadcast channels: Replies, Prompts and Inspires Send Better Insights. Below we take a closer look at each:
- Replies – Make It a Two-Way Communication
With the newly introduced Replies function, followers can now reply to creator messages and talk amongst themselves on broadcast channels making it more dynamic in nature. This update is similar to conventional comments systems where users can reply to messages or delete them or report them.
To enable Replies:
Tap the channel name. Go to Channel Controls and toggle on Allow members to reply to messages.
2. Timed Prompts – Wait There’s More Shade
With the new Prompts feature creators can now also kick start conversations on the topic. They can either choose what Instagram has suggested or make custom ones based on the audience they are addressing. Followers are able to answer those prompts with text or image and these can be reacted to for 25 hours.
This functionality allows creators to leave the initial conversation and still remain active and engaged in their community. To those who say, how do I animate the community, it is literally this feature that breaks the ice. It is obvious that this needs to be done. It is a decision point in the community.
- Best Strategies to Grow your Channel
If you feel that your creators don’t have objective data to define because, for example, they don’t do as well as their engagement could with the prompt being too easy, Instagram channels are doing wonders. And let’s talk about metrics that people can get: audience interactions, number of stories shared, number of votes on polls, … if these metrics are set on the platform-first approach, then people have absolute freedom of creativity, let’s say creating video compilations showing extreme cases.
Insights can be viewed by doing the following:
1.29 Go to the channel performance section by clicking on performance metrics.
1.30 Click on the engagement metrics (for a GIF of the user’s beautiful gestures).
Implications of Changes for Channels
As already noted, these are new features that will enhance the overall user experience of the application. These features also enhance creativity as users have the capability to initiate meaningful conversations without limitations set on them. In turn, these features also increase the number of people that users can reach out to through their channels in an effective manner.
Instagram wants everyone to use these new features to make their channels richer and more engaging. With these new features, Instagram provides its users with additional functionality for talking to their target audience.
