Over the years, Meta has been “inspired” by various competitors to launch identical features: some have since died unceremoniously, others have become much more popular than the original (just think of Stories).
Today is another day like this. Meta’s Telegram-inspired broadcast channels, previously seen on Instagram and WhatsApp, are rolling out to Facebook and Facebook Messenger “in the coming weeks.” People who manage Facebook pages can start broadcast channels “as a way to engage more deeply with their followers,” the company says.
A broadcast channel is basically a one-to-many messaging tool. It is best used by public figures, celebrities, and online “creators” to try to monetize a few extra bucks from their fans, directly or indirectly. In exchange, those fans will be able to “feel even more connected and delve deeper into the things that matter most to them,” whatever that means.
Anyone will be able to join a TV channel to have access to interesting content such as polls, “behind the scenes photos or videos” or voice notes “for a more authentic expression”. Or none of the above, obviously it all depends on the Page administrator.
If you’re the type of person who runs a Facebook Page and want access to broadcast channels, you can start one directly from your Page, if you’re in a market where broadcast channels are currently available. If not, there is a waiting list you can join.
When you send your first message in a broadcast channel, all of your Page’s followers will be spammed and asked to join your new channel. Only you can send messages, but the plebs can (luckily or not) react and vote in the polls.
On the other hand, if you subscribe to a broadcast channel, you will receive spam notifications every time a new post is published. Luckily, the mute function works for these too. Keep in mind that broadcast channels are, as Meta calls them, “public, discoverable chat experiences,” even though you can interact with them on Facebook Messenger where you would otherwise only talk to your friends.
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