Instagram Adds Replies, Insights and More Features to Broadcast Channels for Improved Audience Engagement

Replies feature enables back-and-forth conversations between creators and fans.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 6 December 2024 12:15 IST

Instagram Adds Replies, Insights and More Features to Broadcast Channels for Improved Audience Engagement

Photo Credit: Instagram

Broadcast channels allow Instagram creators to directly engage with their followers at scale

Highlights

Fans can reply to creator’s messages on Instagram broadcast channels
Instagram introduces prompts feature with 24-hour time limit
Creators can now set goals and get personalised guidance

Instagram announced new features for broadcast channels on Wednesday. The latest update adds more ways for creators to engage with their audience instead of simply liking and reacting to messages — the only avenue for interaction on the social media platform until now. Instagram users can now reply to messages from creators as well as each other. Further, it now enables creators to actively engage courtesy of timed prompts and daily check-ins.

New Features for Broadcast Channels on Instagram

Instagram detailed the new features coming to broadcast channels in a blog post. The company is introducing three new features: Replies, Prompts, and Insights and best practices.

As the name suggests, the Replies feature lets users engage with the creators and each other by replying to messages, enabling back-and-forth conversations. It works along the same lines as comments when it comes to deleting or reporting replies. To turn on replies, tap the channel name > Channel controls. Then, enable the Allow members to reply to messages setting.

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With the latest update, Instagram makes it easier for creators to break the ice with the Prompts feature. They can choose from suggested topics or create a custom prompt that fits their channel the best. Other users can respond to prompts with text or photos for up to 24 hours, and like their favourite responses. When a creator replies to a prompt, it will also be shared in the main broadcast channel.

While the aforementioned features are a way for creators to engage their audience more actively, the social media platform is also rolling out metrics to keep tabs on the engagement. They can now access channel insights such as the total number of interactions, story shares, and poll votes. To achieve higher numbers, they can set goals and Instagram will provide them with the best practices and personalised guidance. To view channel insights, tap channel name > Channel performance. Tapping the See all option will provide detailed insights of the brocast channel's engagement metrics.

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Further reading: Instagram, Instagram broadcast channel, Instagram Update

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More