How to Create and Join a Broadcast Channel on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

Instagram's broadcast channels are a powerful new way for creators and professionals to connect with their audience on a larger scale. These one-to-many messaging tools are ideal for sharing announcements, behind-the-scenes content, collaborations, and more—all in one organized, engaging space.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating and joining a broadcast channel on Instagram.

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📌 What Is a Broadcast Channel on Instagram?

A broadcast channel is a public messaging space where creators can share updates with their followers. While followers can't send messages, they can:

• React to messages

• Vote in polls

• Engage with shared content (like stories or posts)

These channels are discoverable by anyone, but only creators with professional accounts and more than 5,000 followers can currently create one.

Note: When sharing branded content organically, always use the Paid Partnership tool to comply with Instagram’s branded content policies.

🚀 How to Create a Broadcast Channel on Instagram

To get started, make sure you have:

• A professional account

• At least 5,000 followers

• The latest version of the Instagram app

✅ Step-by-Step:

1. Open the Instagram app on Android or iPhone.

2. Tap the Messenger icon in the top right of your feed.

3. Tap the Compose icon in the top right.

4. Select Create channel.

5. Fill in your channel details:

   • Channel Name

   • Audience (e.g., followers only or public)

   • End Date (optional)

   • Show on Profile (toggle ON to make it visible)

6. Tap Create.

Once created, your broadcast channel will appear under the Messages tab, specifically under Channels.

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🔗 How to Invite People to Your Broadcast Channel

Once your channel is live, you can invite others to join in several ways:

📬 Automatic Invite

• Your followers receive a notification when you send the first message in your channel.

🔗 Manual Invite Options

• Invite Link: Share your permanent channel link.

• Share to Story: Post the channel or a specific message to your Instagram Story.

• QR Code: Generate and share a scannable QR code from the channel's settings.

Tip: To share a specific message, tap and hold the message in your channel and select "Share to Story."

👥 Admin and Moderator Controls

As the creator, you’re automatically the admin of your channel. You can:

• Change the channel name or theme

• Add/remove collaborators and moderators

• Share to story

• Unsend or delete messages

• Manage reactions and replies

• Delete the channel

👤 Add or Remove Collaborators

1. Tap the channel name > People > Add next to "Collaborators".

2. Choose users from suggestions or search by username.

Note: Collaborators can send messages, up to a max of 5 collaborators per channel.

🛡️ Add or Remove Moderators

1. Tap the channel name > People > Add next to "Admins & moderators".

2. Choose members of the channel to invite.

Moderators (max 4) can send messages, manage invites, and delete messages.

🗑️ How to Delete a Broadcast Channel

If you ever want to delete a channel:

1. Go to the Messenger icon > Channels tab.

2. Tap your channel.

3. Tap Options (iOS) or settings.

4. Select Delete > Confirm.

Once deleted, your broadcast channel disappears for all members.

✅ How to Join a Broadcast Channel on Instagram

Joining is easy, whether it’s a creator you already follow or one you discover via explore.

🧭 Join a Channel via:

• Notification (if you follow the creator)

• Story link

• Invite link

• QR code

• Profile (if the creator has made the channel visible)

Just tap “Join Channel”, and you’ll start receiving messages immediately.

💡 Final Thoughts

Instagram broadcast channels are transforming the way creators communicate with their audience. They offer a focused space for engagement, content sharing, and exclusive updates—without the clutter of traditional DMs.

Whether you're a creator looking to build deeper connections or a follower wanting insider access, these channels are a must-try.

📲 Ready to create or join a broadcast channel?
Update your Instagram app, follow the steps above, and start connecting like never before.

Got questions about broadcast channels or need help setting yours up? Drop them in the comments below!