Meta stole a Telegram feature for Instagram and Facebook
It’s also coming to Messenger
Meta has a history of copying features of other platforms, and this time it turned its attention to Telegram. So Mark Zuckerberg announced a new Instagram feature that brings one-sided messaging to the app.
Broadcast Channels will allow creators to deliver updates directly to their followers’ inboxes. Users who follow these channels will be able to react to messages and vote in polls, but will not be able to participate in the discussion. For example, Zuckerberg’s “Meta Channel” contains news and updates from all the products and technology being developed at Meta, while in addition to text, there are photos, videos and other content.
For now the feature is only enabled for Zuckerberg and a few select creators, such as Chloe Kim and Mackenzie Dern. Those creators who are interested can sign up here to get on the early access list.
Meta plans to bring the channels to Facebook and Messenger in the coming months, while preparing additional features, such as the ability to add another creator to the chat, as well as the ability to conduct AMA (Ask Me Anything) interviews.
