TikTok is trying out bulletin boards as a new way for creators and brands to share public messages with their followers. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that this test feature lets only the board creator post updates, while followers can react with emojis only. This move follows Instagram’s launch of broadcast channels in early 2023 and marks another step in the social media copy‑and‑compete cycle.
How Bulletin Boards Work
When a creator sets up a bulletin board on TikTok, they can share text, image, and video posts for all of their followers to see. Followers cannot post or reply with text. They can only tap emoji reactions to show their response. The idea is to give creators a simple channel for updates behind the scenes or quick news without the noise of comments or algorithmic feeds.
Early Testers and Posts
Some of the first accounts to try bulletin boards include People magazine, Paris Saint‑Germain F C and the Jonas Brothers. These brands and artists can now push content directly into followers’ inboxes without asking them to watch a live video or check a story. The test is still limited, so it is not clear if smaller creators will see the option soon.
What Makes It Similar to Instagram
Instagram broadcast channels rolled out in February 2023 as a one‑to‑many tool for creators to share text, images, videos, voice notes, and even polls with their audience. Only channel owners can send these updates, while followers can react or vote in polls. TikTok’s bulletin boards match that basic format but do not yet include polls or voice notes.
A Borrowed Idea
TikTok has copied features from other platforms before. In 2022, it added Stories support to rival Instagram. Instagram, in turn, launched Reels in 2020 to chase TikTok’s success. Bulletin boards are the latest example of how top social apps adapt each other’s best ideas to keep users engaged.
What Is Ahead for Creators
At this stage, it is not certain if TikTok will expand bulletin boards beyond the current testers or add new tools such as polls, links, or guest posters. Instagram’s channels have helped brands deepen loyalty by offering exclusive content and feedback loops. If TikTok follows suit, creators may gain another way to build direct bonds with followers. Creators and brands should watch this space. If bulletin boards roll out more widely, they could become a key part of social media strategies for sharing news, offers, and behind‑the‑scenes moments without the clutter of standard posts.
