> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.are.na/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.are.na/docs/guides/creating-your-first-channel.md).

# Creating your first channel

### What is a channel?

A [channel](/docs/getting-started/channels.md) is a collection of content on Are.na, made up of both [Blocks](/docs/getting-started/blocks.md) and other channels.

What a channel becomes is up to you and whoever you share it with. It can be a reading list, an archive of research, a brainstorming canvas, or a collection of ongoing research. It can also be a mindmeld between collaborators, a private headspace for your thoughts, or a poem.

There's no wrong way to use a channel (or Are.na).

### Creating a channel

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1205546836>" %}

To create a channel, click the "+ New Channel" button at the top right of the screen.&#x20;

Choose a title for your channel. If you'd rather not think of a title right now, you can always use our random title generator by clicking the <i class="fa-shuffle">:shuffle:</i> icon.

Next, select the visibility of the channel.&#x20;

* **Private channels** are only visible to you and to people you set as collaborators&#x20;
* **Closed channels** are visible to everyone but only you (or your collaborators) can add to them
* **Open channels** are visible to every AND anyone with an Are.na account can add to them. Some popular open channels:
  * [Good Sign-offs](https://www.are.na/meg-miller/good-sign-offs)
  * [Feedback and Feature Requests](https://www.are.na/are-na-team/feedback-and-feature-requests)
  * [Wild Animals vs. Manmade Materials](https://www.are.na/laurel-schwulst/wild-animals-vs-manmade-materials)

### Adding content to your channel

There are many ways to get blocks into your channel. For the basics, check out [Adding blocks](/docs/getting-started/blocks/adding-blocks.md). Once you get the hang of it, try using the [Browser extension](/docs/getting-started/browser-extension.md) or even exploring our [API](https://www.are.na/developers).

### What can you do with a channel?&#x20;

Good question! We mostly use channels to keep track of the things we're looking at and we've found that keeping a regular habit of saving things from the world that resonate with you has a positive and additive effect.&#x20;

We think Are.na is best used as a way to build this kind of [catalog for yourself](https://www.are.na/meg-miller/visible-speech), in whatever way is most meaningful to you.

That said, there's no wrong way to use Are.na. Channels are intentionally open-ended and we've seen an endless variety of uses for them.

Some basic examples of uses to give you some ideas:

* [Photo channels](https://www.are.na/charles-broskoski/photo-channels-kchvitj-_os)
* [Inbox / Guestbook channels](https://www.are.na/charles-broskoski/inbox-guestbook-channels)
* [Organizing for in-person events](https://www.are.na/are-na-commons/are-na-meetups)
* [Saving notes](https://www.are.na/caroline-ridings/people-s-notes-notebooks)
* [Music playlists](https://www.are.na/charles-broskoski/mac-are-na)

But honestly, the list goes on and on! We love people who use Are.na's open-ended structure to make systems for themselves.


---

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