How to Create a Channel on MAX: Step-by-Step Guide

You can create a channel directly in MAX Messenger, but the process depends on the channel type. A private channel is available by invitation and is designed for a limited audience. A public channel can be discovered through MAX search and opened through a permanent public link. For a standard public channel created directly in MAX, you need a Digital ID. The old requirement to have 10,000 subscribers or an A+ label does not apply to this standard Digital ID route. A Digital ID is not required for a private channel, although the MAX account must currently be registered with a Russian phone number.

Quick Answer: How to Create a Channel on MAX

If you want a standard public channel and already have a Digital ID:

1. Open the Chats tab.
2. Click or tap the + button next to the Chats heading.
3. Select Create Channel.
4. Enter the channel name and description and add an avatar.
5. Select Create Channel.
6. Choose Public.
7. Enter an available channel username or link.
8. Save the settings.
9. Optionally add your first subscribers from contacts.

For a private channel, you do not need Digital ID. Create a channel from the same menu, use the private format, and invite users through the generated invitation link.

Public vs Private Channels on MAX

MAX has two main channel types: public and private.

Feature	Public Channel	Private Channel
MAX search	Discoverable	Hidden from users who are not subscribed
Username	Yes	No
Access	Open to all users	Invitation link
Join requests	Not required	Can be enabled
Digital ID for a standard user	Required	Not required
Number of channels	Public-channel limit applies	Unlimited
Best for	Blogs, media, brands, public projects	Closed communities, teams, clients, paid content

Public MAX channels can be found by username, link, name, and description. If your goal is to grow an open content project and attract new readers, a public channel is usually the more suitable format. A private channel makes more sense when the content is intended only for a defined group and you do not need public discovery.

What You Need Before Creating a Channel

Requirements depend on the channel type.

Private Channel Requirements

You do not need to connect to MAX for Partners or obtain an A+ label. According to the current MAX documentation, private-channel creation is available to users whose MAX account is registered with a Russian phone number.

The number of private channels is unlimited.

Standard Public Channel Requirements

If you create a public channel directly inside MAX without the business or A+ routes, you need Digital ID. MAX lists the following core Digital ID requirements:

• · you must be over 18;
• · you must have a Russian passport;
• · your Gosuslugi account must be verified;
• · the Gosuslugi mobile app must be installed;
• · you need the MAX mobile app on Android or iOS to issue Digital ID.

MAX also checks how many public channels you already own.

How to Create Digital ID in MAX

Digital ID is issued through the MAX mobile app on Android or iOS.

According to the current instructions:

1. Open Settings → Digital ID.
2. Select Create QR or choose an available document.
3. Tap Add Documents.
4. Follow the redirect to the Gosuslugi app.
5. Provide the required permissions and consent.
6. Confirm the creation of Digital ID.
7. Return to MAX and wait for the available information to appear.

Official guide: How to create Digital ID in MAX.

How to Create a Public Channel on MAX

Once Digital ID is ready, you can create the channel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open MAX.
2. Go to Chats.
3. Click or tap + next to the Chats heading.
4. Select Create Channel.
5. Enter the channel name and description.
6. Add an avatar.
7. Select Create Channel.
8. Choose Public as the channel type.
9. Enter an available username or link.
10. Wait for the availability check.
11. Save the settings.
12. Optionally add your first subscribers from contacts.

In the MAX developer documentation, the standard Digital ID route uses a username format shown as channel_{your_username}. After creation, the channel becomes available to a broad audience and can be discovered through MAX search.

Official guide: How to create a public channel in MAX.

Why the Name and Description Matter

MAX states that public channels can be found by:

• · username;
• · link;
• · channel name;
• · description.

That means the name and description are more than cosmetic settings. For example, a channel named:

Progress Point

becomes much clearer with a description such as:

Technology news, useful apps, gadgets and simple breakdowns of digital services.

A new visitor can understand the topic before deciding whether to subscribe.

How to Create a Private Channel on MAX

A private channel can be created directly inside MAX.

1. Open Chats.
2. Click or tap +.
3. Select Create Channel.
4. Enter a name.
5. Add a description and avatar.
6. Choose the private format if the interface asks for a channel type.
7. Add subscribers from your contacts or skip this step.
8. Complete the creation process.

MAX will generate an invitation link. Private channels do not have a public username. Users who are not already subscribed cannot find them through normal MAX search. Official guide: How to create a private channel in MAX.

Join Requests

If you do not want everyone with an invitation link to join automatically, enable Join Requests.

The flow then becomes:

1. A user opens the invitation link.
2. They submit a join request.
3. The owner or administrator approves or rejects it.
4. The user receives access after approval.

This is useful for closed communities, customer clubs, teams, and restricted-access content.

How to Create a MAX Channel on Android, iPhone, and Desktop

The available actions differ by platform.

Platform	Private Channel	Standard Public Channel with Digital ID
Android	Yes	Yes
iPhone / iOS app	Yes	No — use the web version
MAX web version	Yes	Yes
Desktop client	Yes	Yes

Digital ID itself is created through the mobile app on Android or iOS. So the practical iPhone flow for a public channel is:

iPhone → create Digital ID → open MAX on the web → create the public channel.

Can You Create a Public MAX Channel Without 10,000 Subscribers?

Yes. A standard public channel created with Digital ID does not require 10,000 subscribers or an A+ label. The confusion comes from a different route involving resources with an A+ label. MAX explains that A+ applies to channels and communities with an audience of at least 10,000 subscribers that have been officially registered with Roskomnadzor.

For a standard creator, the current route is simpler:

Digital ID → create channel → choose Public → set an available username. You therefore do not need to build an audience of 10,000 users on another platform just to create a normal public MAX channel.

How Many Public Channels Can You Create on MAX?

The standard Digital ID route has a combined public-channel limit. You can create another standard public channel if you own fewer than five public channels. The count includes different types of public channels you own, including business-created and A+ channels. If you reach the limit, you can:

• · transfer ownership of an existing channel;
• · convert an unnecessary public channel to private;
• · delete a channel you no longer need.

How to Change a Private Channel to Public

You do not necessarily need to create a new channel. The owner can change the existing channel type. For the standard route, you need Digital ID and an available slot within the public-channel limit. Changing channel type is currently available on Android, desktop, and web clients.

The general process is:

1. Open the channel.
2. Open its profile or settings.
3. Select Channel Type and Link.
4. Choose Public.
5. Confirm the change.
6. Enter an available username.
7. Save the new settings.

Once the change is complete, the channel becomes discoverable to all MAX users and join requests are no longer required.

How to Change a Public Channel to Private

You can also switch in the opposite direction.

1. Open the channel.
2. Go to its settings.
3. Open Channel Type and Link.
4. Select Private.
5. Save the changes.

After switching:

• · the channel is no longer discoverable to non-subscribers through normal search;
• · the public username is released;
• · access is based on an invitation link.

Only the channel owner can change its type.

How to Create a Business Channel on MAX

MAX provides a separate route for Russian-resident organizations, individual entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals through MAX for Partners and the official MAX Business Channels bot. Use this route when the public channel needs to be linked to a verified business profile.

General Process

1. Register and verify your profile on MAX for Partners.
2. Open Channels → Create.
3. Select the option to create a new business channel.
4. Continue in the official @business_channel_bot.
5. Share the phone number used in your partner profile.
6. Wait for verification.
7. Enter the channel name.
8. Confirm creation.

Organizations and individual entrepreneurs can create up to 10 business channels. A self-employed profile can create 1. The username is generated automatically in this route, so the process differs from a standard public channel created with Digital ID.

Current official requirements: Creating channels — MAX developer documentation.

How to Create a MAX Channel with an A+ Resource

A separate route is available to owners of resources carrying the A+ label on:

• · Telegram;
• · VK;
• · Odnoklassniki;
• · Dzen.

This route is designed for owners of an already verified resource rather than a new creator starting from scratch. Through the official @channel_bot, you can create a MAX channel linked to the verified resource. The name and username are generated using the registered resource information.

For Telegram, the bot may ask you to place a temporary hashtag in the description of the original public channel to prove ownership. Official guide: How to create an A+ channel in MAX.

What to Configure After Creating the Channel

Creating the channel is only the technical starting point.

Before actively sharing the link, review the basic settings.

Channel Name

The name should quickly communicate the topic, project, or brand.

Avatar

Use a clear visual that remains recognizable at a small size.

Description

A visitor should quickly understand:

• · what the channel is about;
• · what you publish;
• · who the content is for;
• · why they should subscribe.

Link

For a public channel, choose a username that is easy to read, remember, and share.

Reactions and Comments

If the format is designed for audience interaction, review these settings after launch.

First Posts

Do not actively promote a completely empty channel. Publish several useful posts so that a new visitor can understand the topic and content style. Once the technical setup is complete, follow our new MAX channel launch plan.

What to Do If You Cannot Create a Channel

The “Create Channel” Option Is Missing

Check:

1. Whether MAX is updated to the latest version.
2. Whether you are using the menu inside Chats.
3. Whether your selected platform supports the required action.
4. If you are creating a private channel, whether the account uses a Russian phone number.

You can also try the web version or desktop client.

You Cannot Select a Public Channel

Check whether Digital ID has been created. If you use an iPhone, create Digital ID in the mobile app and then continue in the MAX web version.

You Cannot Create Digital ID

Check the core requirements:

• · you are over 18;
• · you have a Russian passport;
• · your Gosuslugi account is verified;
• · the Gosuslugi mobile app is installed;
• · MAX is updated on your phone.

MAX Rejects the Username or Link

The username must be available and comply with platform rules.

Try:

• · another spelling;
• · a short topical addition;
• · a combination of the brand and topic.

A readable variation is generally better than a random sequence of numbers.

You Reached the Public-Channel Limit

If you already own five public channels, you cannot create another standard public channel through the Digital ID route. Transfer ownership of an existing channel, make one private, or delete a channel you no longer need.

Common Mistakes When Creating a MAX Channel

Following Old Guides That Require 10,000 Subscribers

That requirement does not apply to the standard public-channel route using Digital ID.

Trying to Create a Public Channel in the iPhone App

You can create Digital ID on iOS, but a new standard public channel must currently be created through the web version.

Creating a Private Channel When You Need Search Visibility

A private channel is not discoverable in normal MAX search by users who have not subscribed.

Ignoring the Username

The link becomes part of your future promotion. Choose a readable option before you start distributing it widely.

Driving Traffic to an Empty Channel

Complete the profile and publish several useful posts before active promotion.

What to Do After Creating a MAX Channel

Once the technical setup is complete, move on to growth.

A practical sequence is:

1. Finish the channel setup.
2. Prepare your first posts.
3. Configure reactions and comments.
4. Attract your initial audience.
5. Compare views and engagement.
6. Improve the strongest content formats.
7. Scale promotion gradually.

See our step-by-step plan for a new MAX channel. If your first goal is audience growth, use the plan for getting your first 100 subscribers on MAX.

Once posts are being published regularly, learn how to increase views on MAX and how to increase reactions on MAX.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a channel on MAX?

Open the Chats tab, select the + button, and choose Create Channel. A private channel requires an account registered with a Russian phone number. For a standard public channel, you need Digital ID, and channel creation is available through Android, desktop, or web.

Can a regular user create a public channel on MAX?

Yes. A regular user can create a standard public MAX channel with Digital ID. A company, individual entrepreneur status, 10,000 subscribers, or an A+ label is not required for this route.

Do I need 10,000 subscribers to create a MAX channel?

No. A standard public channel created through Digital ID does not require 10,000 subscribers. The 10,000-subscriber threshold is associated with A+ resources registered with Roskomnadzor.

Can I create a public MAX channel without Digital ID?

Digital ID is required for the standard public-channel route inside MAX. Separate official routes are available to verified businesses through MAX for Partners and to owners of A+ resources.

Can I create a MAX channel on iPhone?

You can create a private channel on iPhone and issue Digital ID in the iOS app. A new standard public channel currently needs to be created through the MAX web version after Digital ID is ready.

How many channels can I create on MAX?

Private channels are unlimited. For the standard Digital ID public-channel route, you can create a new channel if you own fewer than five public channels. Other public channels you own are included in that combined limit.

Can I change a private MAX channel to public?

Yes. The owner can change the channel type in settings. For the standard route, Digital ID and an available public-channel slot are required. Channel-type changes are currently available on Android, desktop, and web clients.

What is the difference between public and private MAX channels?

A public channel has a username and can be discovered through MAX search. A private channel is hidden from users who are not subscribed, has no public username, and is accessed through an invitation link; join requests can also be enabled.