Instagram Launches Interactive Features for Broadcasts
News Desk
Islamabad: Instagram, the third most popular social media platform globally with 2.11 billion monthly active users, has faced operational challenges that have led to user dissatisfaction.
Recently, Instagram introduced a significant update: the ability for followers to reply in Broadcast Channels, allowing for two-way communication between creators and their audience.
Broadcast Channels were initially launched last year as a one-way communication tool, allowing creators to send messages to followers without any opportunity for feedback or interaction. This limitation hindered creators’ ability to engage directly with their audience.
In response to user feedback, Meta has enhanced the feature, enabling creators to allow replies in their broadcast channels. Followers can now engage with posts and participate in discussions, with responses neatly organized beneath the original message to maintain structure.
This update transforms Broadcast Channels from a simple announcement tool to a dynamic space for community interaction.
Along with the reply feature, Instagram is introducing “Prompts” to further encourage engagement. Prompts allow creators to ask questions or share statements to spark conversation, such as asking followers about their gratitude or seeking recommendations.
Followers have 24 hours to respond with text or photos and can like other responses, increasing interactivity. These new features help bring Broadcast Channels closer to the real-time, community-focused engagement seen on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Discord.
Instagram also stands out by organizing responses efficiently under the original post, making it easier for creators to manage discussions. Additionally, new metrics, such as overall interactions and story shares, provide valuable insights into audience engagement. Meta also offers tailored advice to help creators optimize their channels.