Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Messenger, has announced a new feature called “Broadcast Channels” that will allow users to stay updated with their favorite Pages through voice notes, text, photos/videos, and GIFs. The feature is similar to the one already available on WhatsApp and Instagram, and aims to enhance the engagement between public figures, creators, and their audiences.
Broadcast Channels are public, one-to-many messaging tools that enable Page admins to communicate directly with their followers. They can use features like polls to get instant feedback, share behind-the-scenes content, and use voice notes for more authentic expression. Users can join Broadcast Channels from a Page’s profile on Facebook and receive notifications when new messages are posted.
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the news on Facebook, saying that Broadcast Channels will be coming to Facebook and Messenger in the coming weeks. He also invited users to join his own Meta Channel1 on Instagram to get the latest updates from him. Meta is currently testing the ability for Facebook Pages to create broadcast channels and expects to roll out the feature more widely soon.
Some of the Broadcast Channels that users can join now are Netflix2, Jay Shetty3, WWE4, The Dodo5, Hrithik Roshan6, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, League of Legends, International Cricket Council, and Goldmine Telefilms.
Meta said that Broadcast Channels are subject to Facebook’s and Messenger’s Community Standards and that users can report any content that violates their policies. The company also said that Broadcast Channels are public and discoverable chat experiences, so they are treated differently than private messaging on Facebook and Messenger. Meta has tools and reviewers to help identify, review, and remove content in Broadcast Channels that may violate their policies.
Broadcast Channels are part of Meta’s strategy to offer a more engaging experience to its users across its platforms. The company recently rebranded itself as Meta to reflect its vision of building the metaverse, a shared virtual environment where people can connect, work, play, and create.
