Dive into the dynamic world of Instagram marketing with Milena Traikovich, a seasoned Demand Gen expert who has mastered the art of transforming social media engagement into high-quality leads. With her deep expertise in analytics, performance optimization, and innovative campaign strategies, Milena offers invaluable insights into Instagram’s latest tools for creators. In this interview, we explore how Instagram Broadcast Channels and Reminders are revolutionizing creator-audience connections in 2025, focusing on building direct engagement, driving event attendance, and creating loyal communities. From interactive features to strategic setups, Milena shares actionable advice for creators looking to thrive in this evolving landscape.
How have Instagram Broadcast Channels evolved recently, and what makes them a game-changer for creators in 2025?
I’ve seen Broadcast Channels grow from a simple one-way messaging tool into a vibrant, interactive hub over the past year. The 2024 updates, with features like replies, polls, and enhanced analytics, have turned them into a space for real dialogue. In 2025, Meta is clearly positioning these channels as a cornerstone for creators to build deeper, more intentional connections with their audience. What makes them a game-changer is their ability to cut through the noise of algorithms—offering a direct line to followers who choose to engage, which is gold for retention and trust-building.
What’s the biggest difference between using Broadcast Channels and other Instagram features like Stories or regular posts for audience connection?
The key difference lies in the intimacy and control. Stories and posts are great for broad visibility, but they’re fleeting and subject to algorithm whims. Broadcast Channels, on the other hand, feel like an inner circle. They’re a dedicated space where followers opt in for updates, and creators can steer the conversation without the clutter of the main feed. It’s less about mass reach and more about fostering a loyal community that’s actively listening.
When setting up a Broadcast Channel, how do you advise creators to choose between a formal ‘Newsroom’ style for announcements and a more casual ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ vibe?
It really boils down to knowing your audience and your own bandwidth. If your followers crave structure or exclusivity—like updates on launches or events—a Newsroom style with a polished, value-driven tone works best. But if they want authenticity and to feel closer to you, a Behind-the-Scenes approach with raw, real-time content can build that personal bond. I often suggest starting with a mix: test both tones and see what resonates. Also, consider your capacity—constant casual updates can be draining, while a Newsroom style lets you space things out.
How can creators nail down the right posting frequency in their Broadcast Channel to keep followers hooked without overwhelming them?
Finding that sweet spot is crucial. I recommend starting with 2-4 updates a week, blending different content types like announcements, casual check-ins, and interactive polls. Pay attention to engagement metrics—if you notice a drop in reactions or responses, it’s a sign to dial back or switch up your style. The goal is consistency without fatigue. Look at your audience insights to time posts when they’re most active, and always prioritize quality over quantity to keep that connection strong.
What are some practical ways creators can use interactive features like polls and prompts to boost engagement in their channels?
Polls and prompts are fantastic for turning passive followers into active participants. With polls, keep them purposeful—use them to crowdsource ideas, like picking a live session topic or gauging interest in a new project. Prompts are great for sparking conversation; try recurring themes like ‘Motivation Monday’ where followers share their weekly goals. The trick is to make these features feel organic, not forced. Alternate between them and other content types to keep things fresh, and always respond to a few replies to show you’re listening.
How do Instagram Reminders tie into Broadcast Channels, and what impact do they have on driving attendance for events or launches?
Reminders are a powerful extension of Broadcast Channels when it comes to events or launches. You can announce an event in your channel, add a Reminder link, and followers who opt in get push notifications at key intervals—15 minutes before, 3 minutes before, and when it’s live. This creates a seamless funnel from awareness to action, all within Instagram. I’ve seen creators double their live session attendance by pairing a channel teaser with a Reminder on a Reel or post. It cuts down on drop-off and keeps everything centralized.
Why is it so important for creators to leverage Broadcast Channels as a bridge to building audiences outside of Instagram?
Broadcast Channels are a permission-based space where you’ve got an engaged audience’s attention, but Instagram isn’t your forever home—algorithms shift, and platforms evolve. Using channels to guide followers to owned assets like newsletters or memberships ensures you’re not at the mercy of those changes. With clickable links in channel messages, you can direct fans to sign up for something you control. It’s about turning temporary engagement into lasting relationships, and channels are the perfect stepping stone for that.
What’s your forecast for the future of Instagram Broadcast Channels and their role in the creator economy over the next few years?
I think Broadcast Channels are only going to become more integral to the creator economy. Meta’s focus on interactivity and event-driven tools signals a shift toward making Instagram a full ecosystem for community building, not just content consumption. Over the next few years, I expect even deeper analytics, more collab features like expanded Guest Takeovers, and tighter integration with monetization options. Creators who treat their channels as mini-CRMs—nurturing leads and segmenting audiences—will be the ones who stay ahead as the platform leans harder into retention and direct connection.
