TikTok Launches Bulletin Boards: Mass DM Made Easy
TikTok has started testing a new one-to-many messaging tool called bulletin boards, currently available to a select group of creators and brands. If it reminds you of Instagram’s broadcast channels, that’s because it’s pretty much the same thing, but on TikTok’s turf. Potato, potahto… 😉
And while TikTok isn’t usually known for its messaging features, private content sharing is definitely trending. This update shows the platform is taking note.
So, What’s a TikTok Bulletin Board?
It’s a new feature social media experts spotted recently. Think of it as a private feed just for your followers. It allows you to keep them in the loop about what’s new in your (or your brand’s) life. Send short updates that don’t require a full video but still help you keep your community engaged and informed.
What You Need to Know
Here are the most important things to know:
- One-Way Ticket: For now, followers can’t reply to messages in a TikTok bulletin board. They can only react with emojis.
- Daily Limit: You can post up to 20 bulletins per day.
- Limited Access (for now): So far, only a few lucky accounts have access to TikTok bulletin boards, including People Magazine, the Jonas Brothers, or Martha Stewart, just to name a few. Some smaller regional accounts are also part of the test, as spotted by Lindsey Gamble.
How to Use Bulletin Boards (Once You Get Access…)
Private, casual, off-the-grid content is having a moment. Threads just launched DMs, and Instagrammers have been using broadcast channels for a couple of years now.
What does it all mean? It’s part of a bigger shift: your audience doesn’t just want to scroll. They want to feel close. Closer to the story behind the content.
Want to be part of the shift? Here’s how to make TikTok bulletin boards work for you:
- Promote Your Next Big Move: Post an update about your upcoming fashion show or share a promo code to a brand you’re collaborating with.
- Send Reminders: Remind followers about your TikTok Live or a party you’re throwing.
- Show the Parts That Don’t Make it to Video: Raw. Messy. Real. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes content people love, especially when they feel like they’re seeing something not everyone gets to.
- Re-share Links: Digging through old content just to find a link can be a hassle. Make it easy for your followers by re-sending important links directly in your bulletin board.
How to Launch a Bulletin Board
If you’re among the early testers, here’s how to get started:
- Go to your inbox and tap the plus (+) icon to create a new board.
- Add a description to let followers know what kind of updates to expect.
- Choose how your bulletin board should be displayed on your profile.
This is how People Magazine’s profile looks, with a join button for followers:
Are They Here to Stay?
The short answer is: nobody knows yet (except maybe TikTok’s product masters). TikTok bulletin boards are a test feature, so it’s unclear when (or if) everyone will get access. But if you’re building a loyal audience and looking for ways to connect beyond the algorithm, this is one feature you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Once the feature becomes widely accessible, do you see yourself using it? Let us know in the comments!
