diff --git a/docs/how-to/install-bmad.md b/docs/how-to/install-bmad.md
index 97ab03a25..4e80ce3bb 100644
--- a/docs/how-to/install-bmad.md
+++ b/docs/how-to/install-bmad.md
@@ -40,6 +40,8 @@ Accept the defaults and you land on the latest stable release of every module, c
 
 :::caution[BMad Automator constraints]
 `bma` installs runnable Automator skills only for the Claude Code entrypoint. Codex is supported as a worker target only, and worker sessions currently require `tmux` on macOS.
+
+While experimental, `bma` defaults to the `next` channel so installs pick up the latest Automator payload compatibility fixes.
 :::
 
 :::tip[Just want the newest prerelease?]
diff --git a/docs/reference/modules.md b/docs/reference/modules.md
index c26d02816..0c307f1f0 100644
--- a/docs/reference/modules.md
+++ b/docs/reference/modules.md
@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ Automates the BMad story build loop with a pure skill bundle sourced from the se
 - **Code:** `bma`
 - **npm:** [`bmad-story-automator`](https://www.npmjs.com/package/bmad-story-automator)
 - **GitHub:** [bmad-code-org/bmad-automator](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-automator)
+- **Default channel:** `next` while experimental, so installs receive the latest Automator payload compatibility fixes.
 
 :::caution[Experimental Claude Code-only entrypoint]
 BMad Automator only runs from Claude Code. It currently supports Claude Code and Codex worker sessions, and requires tmux on macOS.
diff --git a/test/test-installation-components.js b/test/test-installation-components.js
index 284b05c07..723f471e3 100644
--- a/test/test-installation-components.js
+++ b/test/test-installation-components.js
@@ -3593,6 +3593,7 @@ async function runTests() {
     assert(automatorInfo42 !== null, 'BMad Automator is registered as an external module');
     assert(automatorInfo42.type === 'experimental', 'BMad Automator is marked experimental');
     assert(automatorInfo42.sourceRoot === 'payload/.claude/skills', 'BMad Automator uses source-root for pure skill payload');
+    assert(automatorInfo42.defaultChannel === 'next', 'BMad Automator defaults to next for latest payload compatibility fixes');
     assert(
       automatorInfo42.installTargets.length === 1 && automatorInfo42.installTargets.includes('claude-code'),
       'BMad Automator is limited to Claude Code skill installation',
diff --git a/tools/installer/modules/registry-fallback.yaml b/tools/installer/modules/registry-fallback.yaml
index f9ad2e564..a988602f4 100644
--- a/tools/installer/modules/registry-fallback.yaml
+++ b/tools/installer/modules/registry-fallback.yaml
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ modules:
     defaultSelected: false
     type: experimental
     npmPackage: bmad-story-automator
-    default_channel: stable
+    default_channel: next
     install-targets:
       - claude-code
     worker-targets: