TikTok’s Bulletin Boards Explained: Mass DM Made Easy

TikTok started testing a new one-to-many messaging tool called bulletin boards back in July, initially available to only a select group of creators and brands. In November, the feature officially rolled out to everyone.

If you feel a “slight” resemblance to Instagram’s broadcast channels, that’s because it’s pretty much the same thing, just on TikTok’s turf. Potato, potahto… 😉

And while TikTok isn’t usually known for its messaging features, private content sharing is definitely on the rise. This update shows the platform is taking note and giving creators a direct line to their most loyal followers.

So, What’s a TikTok Bulletin Board? 

Think of it as a private feed just for your followers – a space that allows you to keep them in the loop about what’s new in your (or your brand’s) life. Send quick updates that don’t require a full video but still help you keep your community engaged and informed. 

Who Can Launch a Bulletin Board? 

TikTok announced that bulletin boards are rolling out to all creators who:

• Have 50,000+ followers globally.
• Are at least 18 years old.

What You Need to Know

Here are the most important things to know:

• One-Way Ticket: Followers can’t reply to messages in a TikTok bulletin board. They can only react with emojis. When you post a bulletin, your followers get a notification.
• Daily Limit: You can post up to 3 bulletins per day. “Any of the above bulletins counts as one quota” – says TikTok. 
• Continuous Rollout: During the test phase, only a few lucky accounts had access to bulletin boards, including People Magazine, the Jonas Brothers, or Martha Stewart. Now, the circle of eligible creators has broadened significantly.

How to Use Bulletin Boards

Private, casual, off-the-grid content is having a moment. Threads 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 make the most of this 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 Create a Bulletin Board 

Getting started takes less than a minute:

1. Open the TikTok app and tap Inbox.
   • If TikTok shows you a banner announcing bulletin boards, tap Try it.
     Otherwise, tap the Chat icon at the top.
2. Tap “Create a bulletin board”.
3. Choose whether your board is visible on your profile with the Show on profile toggle.
4. Tap Create; and your board is live!

That’s it. Your followers will automatically receive an invite.

This is what the bulletin board button looks like on People Magazine’s TikTok profile. You’ll want to search for an icon with a smiling face inside a thought bubble:

How to Edit Your Bulletin Board

Want to personalize your space a bit more? Here’s what you can edit:

1. Go to Inbox → open your bulletin board.
2. Update:
   • Bulletin image (your cover photo)
   • Name (up to 40 characters, following TikTok’s guidelines)
   • Description (up to 140 characters)

A tip for social media managers: treat this like a micro “channel description.” Make it clear why followers should stay connected here.

How to Share Bulletins (Text, Photo, Posts, Events & More)

You can publish up to 3 bulletins per day, no matter which format you choose.

Share a text bulletin

1. Go to Inbox → open your board → tap Write a bulletin.
2. Write up to 1,000 characters.
3. Tap Send, or close the page to save it as a draft.

Share a photo bulletin

1. Inbox → your board → Add +.
2. Tap Camera.
3. Either take a photo or upload one.
4. Add text, stickers, or filters.
5. Tap Send.

Share posts, LIVE events, or music cards

1. Inbox → your board → Add +.
2. Choose Posts.
3. Select from your posts or your saved favorites.
4. Tap Send.

This is a great way to extend the life of your best-performing content and make sure your followers never miss an update.

How to Delete a Bulletin

Accidentally posted something? Here’s how to fix it:

1. Inbox → your board.
2. Press and hold the bulletin → tap Delete.
   
   • Within the first 3 minutes: You can delete it for everyone.
   • After 3 minutes: You can only delete it for yourself, but your audience will still see it.

And yes, deleted bulletins still count toward your daily limit of three.

How to Manage Your Bulletin Board

Your board, your rules. You can update its details, adjust visibility, or close it altogether.

1. Inbox → your board → tap More options ( … ).
   
2. From here you can:
   
   • Edit your board photo, name, or description (once per day).
     Show on profile to make it easy to find.
   • Pin to top of Inbox for quick access.
     Close bulletin board if you want to pause things.

After closing your board:

• Members can still see your past bulletins, they just can’t interact anymore.
• You can create a new board, but the old one won’t be restored if you replace it.
• You can reopen your board within 30 days.
• After 30 days, TikTok deletes it permanently.

Do you see yourself using bulletin boards as an additional channel to keep your followers up to date?

Let us know in the comments!