Meta is extending its “broadcast channels” feature, akin to Telegram’s channels, to Facebook and Messenger. After its introduction on Instagram and WhatsApp earlier this year, Meta has revealed that this feature will soon be accessible on these two platforms.
The functionality empowers creators and public figures to convey one-to-many messages for direct interaction with their followers. Channels facilitate various content types such as text, images, polls, reactions, and more. Only the channel creator has message-sending privileges, while viewers can react to messages and participate in polls.
Creators and public figures can leverage broadcast channels to update their followers and offer behind-the-scenes glimpses. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and other company executives have been utilising these channels to share feature and product updates.
Meta is presently in the testing phase for enabling Pages on Facebook to generate broadcast channels, with a rollout expected in the coming weeks. Facebook Page administrators who have access can initiate a channel directly from their Page. Those without immediate access can join a waitlist.
Once a broadcast channel is created, followers will receive a one-time invitation to join after the first message is shared. Users can readily join broadcast channels from a Page’s profile on Facebook, and subsequent notifications will keep them informed of new messages. However, you have the option to mute these notifications while remaining in the channel. To view your current broadcast channel subscriptions, check your chat list.
Broadcast channels offer creators and public figures a novel method for updating their followers within Meta’s suite of apps. Instead of relying on stories or posts, they can now engage with their fan base directly.
Personally, the new WhatsApp channels made me let inactive in checking the “Status” feature. This is because of the way Meta disrupted the arrangements when Channels came on board.
There were mix reactions on Zuckerberg’s Facebook post announcing the expansion to Facebook and Messenger. One unpleasant but constructive feedback from a user, reads, “You have made WhatsApp annoying, you didn’t take feedback after you launched the WhatsApp Channel, and now you are coming for Facebook.”
Some users may even have a question for an additional notification if they are already subscribed to a creator’s broadcast channel on Instagram, for example.
