Tiktok is testing a new messaging tool called “Bulletin Boards.” The social network was confirmed to TechCrunch on Friday. This feature allows brands and creators to share a one-to-many message with their followers. The message board is pretty similar to the broadcast channel feature of Instagram, which was released in 2023.
Just like with Instagram's broadcast channels, only the message board creators can post messages, and followers are limited to leaving emoji responses. The message board supports posting text, images and videos.
This feature was first discovered by thread user Christina Garnet.
The idea behind this feature is to allow creators and brands to update, share behind the scenes content, and interact with their followers in a more direct way. Instead of posting updates through stories and regular posts about Tiktok, for example, brands and creators can share them on message boards. This feature allows your account to promote content by sending it directly to followers.
Image credit: Screenshot/TechCrunch
Early testers for this feature include People Magazine, Paris Saint-Germain FC, and Jonas Brothers.
Given that the message board is a test feature, it is unclear whether Tiktok is planning to roll it out more widely. Additionally, Tiktok may add more features. For example, on Instagram's broadcast channels, you can post a vote to the creator.
The launch of Bulletin Boards is the latest example of borrowing one social network from another. In 2022, Tiktok launched a story with photo support to shoot Instagram. Of course, Instagram copied the entire Tiktok playbook with the release of Reels in 2020.