How to Create an Instagram Broadcast Channel

Tap a step to see how to create and use an Instagram broadcast channel.

  1. Find the "Channels" section in your DM tab

    Open your Instagram DM tab, and the broadcast channels you follow appear near the top.

  2. Choose "Create Channel" from your profile (creator/business accounts)

    Tap the "+" icon in the top corner of your profile and select "Channel" to create a new broadcast channel.

  3. Post text, photos, polls, and more to the channel

    Inside your channel, you can freely post announcements, photos, polls, and more to your followers.

  4. Understand that members can only view and react

    Unlike a regular group chat, channel members cannot post β€” they can only react with emoji and take part in polls.

  5. Why this is useful

    Creators or brands that want to reach many followers at once can send out clean announcements without the clutter of a group chat where replies pile up.

A new way to connect with your followers

Instead of one-on-one DMs or a messy group chat, a channel lets you share updates with a large number of followers at once, and gather quick feedback through polls.

Channels work well for exclusive, behind-the-scenes content

Because only the account owner can post, a channel is a natural fit for sharing early previews, behind-the-scenes updates, or announcements meant to feel more direct and personal than a regular public post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any account create a channel?

A regular personal account can create one too, but some features tend to roll out to creator or business accounts first.

Can channel members see each other's reactions?

Yes β€” emoji reactions and poll results inside a channel are visible to all its members.