A Guide to Instagram Marketing Features

It can be difficult to keep up with social platform updates. Especially when it feels like there’s a new update being pushed live each week. These updates come as no surprise, given the competitive nature of social media.

However, the sheer number of new features might be overwhelming for marketers. We are here to help. Instagram, like most other current social media platforms, is packed with features and is continuously evolving to keep up with the social media landscape. Let’s take a look at the latest additions to the platform!

Instagram’s key features for 2023

Instagram in 2023 will have the following features:

A new social media network: Threads

Introducing a dynamic platform reminiscent of Twitter’s interface, Threads. The latest offering from the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allows users to engage in real-time conversations while also having the flexibility to share photos and videos. By combining its formats, Threads provides a captivating space for meaningful interactions among its users!

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You can read a more comprehensive blog post about Threads and what it has to offer here: Threads – The Newest Social Media App.

 

Download option available for Instagram Reels

Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, has revealed that users can soon download Instagram reels published by public accounts to the camera roll on their phone.

Simply follow these procedures to download an Instagram reel:

1. Tap on the Instagram Reel to view it.
2. Click the sharing arrow button in the right corner.
3. Click on the download option, this can be found at the bottom of the popup that displays a list of your friends.
4. The Instagram reel will now be saved to your camera roll.

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The launch of notes music

With notes getting more entertaining, users now have the option to upload a 30-minute audio clip to serve as their notes.

People have been using Notes, which were made available to users in several countries at the beginning of the year, as a quick textual indicator of how they are feeling at the moment.

This essentially means that users can use it to convey their present attitude and encourage other users to initiate direct messaging chats.

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In addition to the music, a translation tool has also been made available, allowing users to tap on a note to acquire an English translation.

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GIFs become available in the comments

GIFs are arriving on Instagram and are now accessible in the Stories and Reels comments section. Users will have the option to look up a GIF and upload it as a remark to add a more entertaining and effective expression to their chats.

GIPHY, a website where users can make and share animated GIFs, is connected with the feature.

You only need to click the comment box and a library of GIFs will be displayed!

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Share music through Instagram notes

Instagram is developing a new notes features that allow users to share music. It is an intriguing form of self-expression and a good icebreaker that can help conversations progress to direct messages.

A user can clip a portion of the song that will appear as the note, just like when adding a song to Reels.

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Add additional links to your Instagram bio

A number of links can now be added to a creator’s bio on Instagram, making it much simpler for their followers to learn more about the content creator’s contributions.

For instance, these numerous links can assist UGC producers and brands in including links to their online stores and other social media accounts. You can now add up to 5 links with this upgrade.

Here’s how to include numerous links in your Instagram bio:

1. In your profile, select Edit Profile.
2. To add external links, select Links and then press Add.
3. Paste the title and the URL.
4. Select Done.

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Tip: You can also drag and drop the links to change their orders!

 

Instagram Reel improvements

The most recent Instagram update has made a few changes to Instagram Reels that make it simpler for users to make and profit more from their Instagram videos.

The following is what’s new:

Reels trends

The purpose of this new feature, which presents a list of popular Reels, is to encourage UGC creators to develop Reels that capture the newest trends.

Go to Professional Dashboard and choose Reels Trends to use this function.

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Improved editing tools

Video creators will be able to add video, apply text, and other effects such as music, with the help of the new Reels editing tools.

 

Better insights

Creators will have easier access to data regarding the effectiveness of their Reels. You can find the View Insights option in your Reel, which will then lead you to the Insights Page.

Here you will find statistics like the total and average watch time.

 

Expansion of gifts

In the upcoming weeks, creators will be able to activate the gift option. This will allow creators to identify whose followers shared the gift so they can reach out to them directly and thank them!

 

New Instagram Collaborative Collections

Instagram Collaborative Collections adds a new level of interactivity to your Instagram experience by enabling you and your friends to create, share, and explore collections together.

This new feature is ideal for sharing your favourite items, trading ideas, and organising trips because you can make a share collection, add posts, and debate them together.

To make a Collaborative Collection, follow these steps:

1. Select the Save icon next to any post you like.
2. Make a new Collaborative Collection and give it a name.
3. Switch On for collaboration.
4. Invite your friends, then hit Save.

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Keep in mind that only the friends you invite can access a Collaborative Collection you make. You are also free to add or remove friends at any time, and you will be notified of changes to the shared collection.

 

Replying to comments on Reels

In order to respond to a comment, you may now use a Reel that contains the comment as a sticker. Everywhere you share the Reel, your Reel will be visible, including in the comment box.

This feature is a brill upgrade and approach to engage your audience more.

To respond with a Reel to a comment:

1. Following the comment, you wish to respond to, touch Reply. Then, hit Record on the left.
2. Choose a video from your camera roll or gallery by tapping in the bottom left corner.
3. Edit your Reel by clicking Preview.
4. Next, click Share in the lower right corner.

The person who commented will be informed that you responded to them.

 

Text to Speech and Voice Effect on Reels

Using Instagram Reels just got a lot more creative and enjoyable thanks to Text to Speech’s ability to add narration without using your own voice.

Let’s look at the procedures for achieving it below:

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You may utilise your voice as a voiceover in your Reel using Instagram’s other new feature, called Voice Effect.

Here are the procedures to follow:

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These two tools are appropriate for business owners and provide them more freedom to be innovative in order to create appealing Reels.

 

Instagram returns to using the chronological order

Instagram just released an update that allows users to view feed posts worldwide that are ranked by recency. The following three feed versions are currently available to users:

• Home feed: The default feed.
• Following feed: You can view the accounts you follow in reverse chronological order in this feed.
• Favourites feed: A feed of roughly 50 accounts that have been favourited.

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By pressing on the new dropdown menu in the top left corner of the app, you can switch between the two feeds.

 

Instagram broadcast channels

Broadcast channels are a brand-new function that gives creators a chance to establish connections in a brand-new messaging platform.

A creator can share all of their most devoted followers’ latest news via an Instagram Channel, which serves as a direct line between the creator and the audience.

Only US creators have access to it at the moment, but it will become available to everyone in the upcoming months.

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Instagram launched Gifts for US producers

Giving away items is a simple method for producers to support themselves on Instagram. Fans can use this to send authors digital gifts that they can eventually monetise.

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This is the procedure:

1. A Gift option will be visible for creators who are qualified on the bottom left of their Reels.
2. In order to send a Gift to a creator, a fan can select and buy stars from the library.
3. Once they have a particular number of gifts, the creators will eventually be able to withdraw them as cash!

 

Instagram launches its dynamic avatar profile photos

Your Instagram 3D avatar can finally be put to use. Users can now add their Instagram avatars, which will change anytime someone views their Instagram profile. With this, Instagram adds animation to its platform for the first time.

Simply choose the Edit profile option to add yours.

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New features: Quiet mode, hidden words and multi-select

Instagram is rolling out new features this month to provide customers with a better Instagram experience. Here’s what’s new:

 

Quiet mode

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Users may now schedule a time when they don’t want to use the Instagram app and want to concentrate on other tasks thanks to this new feature. Users attempting to contact you will be aware that you are in Quiet mode during this time because the app won’t send any alerts during this time.

When you go back, you’ll receive everything you missed, including mentions, messages, comments, and so on, letting you know what was going on while you were gone.

 

Hidden words in Recommendations

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Users can now define hidden phrases that will be applied to what Instagram will display to them in the Recommendations area, a feature that was previously only available in Direct Messenger. The recommendations will no longer contain any photos or videos that contain some of the hidden terms you chose.

 

Multi-select in Explore

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In Explore, long-press any video or image to select not interested to tell Instagram’s algorithm to show you more relevant content. You may select numerous photos or videos with the new multi-select feature, cleaning up your Instagram Explore in a flash.

 

Updated Instagram app navigation

 

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In order to make it easier for users to adopt Instagram’s 2023 purpose, which includes connecting people together over the things they love, the company is making changes to the main menu in its mobile app.

The following changes will be implemented in February. The Shop menu will be eliminated, and Reels and the shortcut for creating content are now located to the right.

According to the CEO, customers can still use the shopping options in the Feed, Stories, Reels, and Ads!

Instagram’s 2023 focus

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Instagram has begun this year by announcing its main priorities for 2023. With a concentration on video and messaging features, they tended to favour assisting creators in making a living the previous year.

By reaching 2 billion users, Instagram will continue to pursue its mission of uniting people over the things they cherish rather than their common interests. In 2023, Instagram will concentrate on the following three areas:

• Motivate individuals to be imaginative.
• Assist people in finding their passions.
• Foster relationships between people.

We are eager to see what the platform introduces after these three new tactics. Make sure to remain tuned to this blog throughout 2023!

 

Instagram’s key features for 2022

Here are the key features that you need to know about Instagram in 2022:

 

Instagram Group Profiles

Instagram Group Profiles provide a fresh method of communicating with loved ones. Create your own Instagram Group Profile or join one that already exists so you can all share posts, photos, and stories in one place. Every time you post something in a Group Profile, only other group members will be able to see it, not your followers.

In addition, it will appear in the Group Profile rather than your individual Instagram profile. This is how this type of profile appears:

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Simply press the + sign in the Instagram app and select Instagram Group Profiles for those who have this option, to establish a group profile.

You can remain in touch with your loved ones like never before with Instagram Group Profiles!

 

Instagram Candid Stories

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Are you trying to find a new way to tell your friends about your life? You can quickly and easily capture and share moments with the people that matter most to you with Instagram Candid Stories. It’s similar to having a secret narrative that only people who also share their own Candid may see.

You have three options for capturing a Candid: Stories camera, the multi-author narrative at the top of your feed, or the daily notification reminder.

 

Instagram account status update

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Business users can now see whether their content will be seen by people who aren’t followers by increasing their account status. What users can do with their account status is listed below:

• Verify whether your content is recommendable: Check to see if your content qualifies for non-follower recommendations in locations like Explore, Reels, and Feed.
• Fix content issues: By being aware of any problematic content that violates community standards and knowing how to address it.

With these improvements, you can check your account status to determine if there’s a chance that your account won’t be elidable, and you’ll be able to correct any issues to resume being recommended.

 

Enhance Instagram posts with music

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You can now use the power of sound to express yourself and give your content fresh life thanks to this new feature. The addition of music to Feed photographs is a fantastic way to make your posts stand out and tell your story, whether it’s background music for a picture collage or an upbeat song for a travel snap.

Here’s how to include music in an Instagram post:

1. Upload as you normally would and select your photo.
2. Click Add music, prior to sharing.
3. Browse the Trending or For You sections to search for songs.
4. Select the song you want to use along with your image and the clip duration.
5. Click Done and then Share.

 

Mute option: Control posts on your feed

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There is most likely, someone in your feed or stories that you don’t want to unfollow but whose content you don’t want to view. Since they won’t be aware that their posts aren’t in your feed, you can choose the option to mute in this situation to remove the person’s content from your feed while continuing to follow them.

Simply follow the instructions below to mute someone.

In stories:

1. Hold down on their story.
2. Tap Mute in the pop-up.
3. Select whether to mute their posts, stories, or both.

In profile:

1. Visit their profile and select the Follow option.
2. Select Mute to hide their posts, stories, or both.

By selecting following from their profile, you can choose to unmute their stories or posts to simply see their content again.

 

Achievements in Instagram Reels

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This feature motivates creators to produce better content and more Reels. There have already been 3 successes, including:

• Creative streak: Continuing their creative trend by producing more than one Reel per week.
• Trendspotter: Participating in the debate by utilising Reels effects or trendy audio.
• Collaborator: Collaborating with another artist using the Remix, Collabs tool, and the Add yours sticker.

The creator will be informed when a new milestone is attained and given a link to read more about it, find out what to do next and unlock the next achievement.

 

Instagram gifts

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Instagram has started offering gifts and Reels will now include this feature. The purpose of gifts is to enable authors to receive payment from followers for the content they share.

A select group of creators in the US have access to this option first, and those that qualify can choose to turn on star recognition in their Professional dashboard. By purchasing Stars on Instagram, users may send gifts. In the near future, more will be revealed.

 

New designs for Instagram on desktop

An updated desktop design for Instagram profiles is currently going out. The menu is positioned differently in the new version, and the Reels are displayed differently under the Explore tab.

Here is an example of the LOCALiQ UK Instagram profile:

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On the left side of the screen, the top menu is now displayed as a vertical menu. The profile feed is given more attention as a result, and the menu options are made more obvious.

 

AR ads

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Instagram is now allowing users to add an augmented reality (AR) filter and make advertisements. These advertisements will be able to run on Instagram stories and the Instagram feed and can encourage users to engage in a variety of activities, such as participating in games or competitions. There are countless applications for this in the advertising sector.

Advertisers must use the Meta Spark studio to build and obtain approval for their AR effect in order to produce an AR ad on Instagram.

 

Increasing Instagram Creator’s marketplace

Instagram has announced that it is adding new features to the creator’s marketplace and making it available to more users.

Make projects accessible

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Brands may now make their projects discoverable with the new improvements so that creators can find them. Additionally, brands will be able to send bulk communications to numerous creators, which will show up in a partnership inbox that is prioritised. Brands can also send offers with set prices, enabling creators to decide more quickly and work with brands more successfully.

However, artists will soon be able to make their profiles visible to new chances so brands will be aware of their interests.

 

Creator portfolio

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As the name implies, creators can build their own portfolio pages to display their previous collaborations as well as the work they have produced.

 

Using organic content in ads

Creators will receive a special code for each of their posts that they can give to a partner to use when creating an advertisement promoting the brand’s organic content or post.

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Instagram notes

The team is now testing a new feature in Mexico, Egypt, South Korea, Canada, and a few other nations, according to CEO Adam Mosseri, who started it during an ask me anything (AMA) session. It is known as Notes, and as he revealed in a brief video, the feature will be accessible via Instagram Messenger. Users will be able to create and send Notes in their direct messages (DMs).

According to the screenshot he provided, Notes are visible in the messenger header and appear to be accessible in a manner similar to tapping a Story. Look below:

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When it comes to sending longer texts, proofreading, and double-checking a message before sending, it looks like an interesting feature that will encourage users to spend more time on the app.

 

Not interested option

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Instagram is a terrific tool for keeping up with the lives of your loved ones, friends, and favourite celebrities. There is, however, a lot of stuff that you might not find interesting. A new not interested feature may be of use if you frequently scroll through topics that don’t interest you.

Simply press the three dots in the top right corner and choose not interested when you encounter a post in your feed that you aren’t interested in seeing. Following that, Instagram will strive to display less of this kind of content to you going forward.

Instagram will become better at customising your feed to your interests if you use the not interested feature more frequently.

 

Instagram’s potential in the metaverse

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The Business Marketing team recently revealed innovative thoughts on how Instagram will develop as a bridge into the Metaverse at a House of Instagram event. Instagram reports that more than 1.2 million AR filters are currently available on the Meta platform, and 82% of users have used or interacted with a filter in the previous year. Particularly as a result of the widespread use of Instagram Reels.

“In 2022, reels increased 30% quarter over quarter.”
– House of Instagram Event

The Metaverse, a brand-new computer and social platform, is Meta’s main vision, as you probably well know, but up until now, there hasn’t been a single practical application. Here are some ideas to give you a preview of what’s to come:

Live events: Live events will allow viewers to virtually attend events taking place in various cities around the world.

Virtual presence: Call or meet anyone in the Metaverse.

Brand experiences: Brands will be able to build games, offer their products in an immersive manner, stage fashion shows, etc., and invite their client base to interact in a new environment.

For a more detailed understanding, please watch the video.

 

Archives: Instagram Stories and Posts

Instagram offers an extremely user-friendly archive where individuals can see all of their stories and posts because the platform wants to make sure every user has access to their stories. Simply go to your profile page and touch on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner to see the archive of Instagram stories. You’ll then be directed to a page where all of your earlier stories are saved.

The archive tool is a terrific way to keep your Instagram Stories if you wish to do so or if you want to be able to review them in the future. Just keep in mind that once you archive a story, it is hidden from others unless you decide to share it again. The option to view the Posts archive is the site’s hidden jewel. You can accomplish this by selecting Posts archive from the top middle dropdown.

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The posts you’ve made since then will appear in reverse chronological order. If you wish to maintain a record of the Instagram posts you’ve made, you can download them to your phone and sort them by date or story type (picture, video, or Boomerang). Simply hit the three dots in the top right corner of the post and select download to download an image or video.

 

Add yours sticker now available in Reels

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Instagram has extended its Add yours sticker feature to allow creators to add them to Reel videos as well as stories. This is a creative way to invite different people to contribute and interact with each other through videos on the same topic. These stickers help creators and their followers to continue the story with their own views on the topic within their own Reel.

Additionally, Instagram will reward the creators who create a trend and promote their names with a started-by label, so it’s a great way to promote yourself. Add yours sticker is very easy to apply. Simply tap the Sticker icon and select the sticker you want to add. Then, tap the Add button. Your sticker will be added to your photo and once shared it will give your viewers the option to add theirs.

 

Launching NFTs to more Instagram users

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In May Instagram unveiled a new feature that allows non-fungible tokens (NFTs) creators and collectors to showcase their creations on the platform. Meaning that creators can share digital collectables on the platform and increase awareness of their art and project. Since then, Instagram has expanded this feature to further Instagram users across 100 countries in America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. There are no fees involved, sharing NFTs on Instagram is free. To post-digital collectables, users can now connect a digital wallet to Instagram, such as third-party wallets including Rainbow, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, and Dapper Wallet.

 

9:16 vertical photos

Instagram could soon allow photographers to share ultra-tall vertical photos that fill the screen. On a recent Q&A with Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, confirmed that in the coming weeks, they would be testing tall photos – 9:16.

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Instagram’s current crop ratios only allow a 4:5 size vertical image. With Instagram testing, the 9:16 format for vertical photos means that in the near future users will be able to share photos that are the same size as Reels.

 

Instagram Reels bonus play

Instagram has introduced a new bonus program called Reels Play that gives creators monetary rewards for creating high-quality, engaging Reels.

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This new program is based on the number of plays on a user’s Reel. Currently, this program is only available for eligible creators based on this criteria:

• Live in the US.
• Have less than 1 million followers.
• Have an Instagram professional account.
• Follow Instagram Partner’s Monetisation policies.

If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation in your Professional Dashboard on your Instagram Profile. To get started, accept the invitation and follow the steps to set it up.

New Instagram Reels templates and new dual features

Instagram is keen to help every user easily create Reels. To do this Instagram has developed pre-built Reel templates that everybody can use to quickly create Reels. Reels Templates provide time-stamped templates to guide your content creation. Many Instagram users can be overwhelmed by the Reels feature due to not knowing how it works. The pre-built templates are a great way to inspire people and help them create excellent Reel content. To create a reel using a pre-built template follow these steps:

1. Tap Android or iPhone on the bottom right of the reel you want to use as a template.
2. Tap Use as template.
3. Tap Add media at the bottom and select the photos or videos in the order you want them to appear in your reel.

New dual feature

In addition to the new Reels templates, Instagram has launched new Dual features. Dual is a new format for making Reels. Both cameras — the front and rear — of a phone can be used simultaneously to make a reel.

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New Instagram maps update

Instagram has introduced a new searchable and dynamic map experience. This new update includes an option to search for local businesses by category. Prior to this update, the map experience on Instagram only included posts.

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With the new Instagram search map, you can find businesses near you or in specific locations and get more information about them. The updated map experience will allow users to explore popular tagged locations around them and filter location results by specific categories including restaurants, cafes and beauty salons.

To use the new Instagram search map, simply search for a city or a nearby location:

• Once you are on the Map zoom out and click Search this area.
• The search results will bring local businesses categorised by their industry or type.
• You can click on Restaurants, Bars, Hotels etc.

Here is everything you need to know about Instagram Maps.

 

Instagram subscriptions

Instagram subscriptions allow you to monetize by offering exclusive content and benefits to your most engaged followers at a monthly fee. Subscriptions are a great way to enable creators to get recurring revenue and have a sustainable stream of income. This update means that creators can provide unique content only available to their Subscribers. This content can be in the form of Reels or Instagram posts that is only visible to subscribers.

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How to set up an Instagram subscription:

1. Go to the Professional dashboard.
2. Tap all tools, and then pay-out accounts. Note: You can also edit your pay-out account in Creator settings.
3. Tap Subscriptions and fill out the required fields.
4. Tap Save and then Ok.

Now, Instagram announced new updates and an extension of Subscriptions. Here is what’s new:

• Subscriber Chats: Ability to invite subscribers to a group chat.
• Subscriber Reels: Option to post Instagram Reels for subscribers only.
• Subscriber Posts: Option to post Instagram Reels for subscribers only.
• Subscriber Home: New tab in the profile for all content available only to subscribers.

 

Instagram launches new ways for people to confirm their age

There are three options:

1. ID: You can upload your own ID.

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2. Social vouching: Instagram will suggest you 6 people that are mutual followers, that are 18 or over themselves, and who are meeting a series of other criteria, and you can pick 3 people. Then, Instagram is going to ask them to verify your age on your behalf.

3. Face-based age prediction: Instagram is partnering with Yoti so that users can send a short video selfie to Instagram which is passed onto Yoti for them to predict the user’s age. There is no facial recognition, so there is no way to tell what your identity is. You will send this photo back to Instagram and then delete it. That way, Instagram is protecting people’s privacy.

 

Updates to Instagram captions for Reels

1. Auto-generated Reels captions

Auto-generated captions will automatically be turned on when you upload a Reel or video to Instagram. This seamless caption feature makes Instagram more accessible to members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, as well as to people who watch videos with sound off.

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Users can turn the auto-generated captions on or off by going into their advanced settings in the app and toggling the show captions option. If you want to turn off captions when viewing a video, you can tap on the overflow menu and select Manage Captions to access a switch to turn on and off captions.

2. AR Closed Captions

Instagram has introduced stylised closed caption AR effects for Reels, that let you easily elevate your video in a fun and creative way. So that users can turn dialogue into fun, and engaging captions for example, the Bubble captions that look like a text message chat, Mumble captions spew out from your mouth and Comic captions that look straight out of a comic book. All three new closed caption effects are accessible from the effects gallery.

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To use the stylised closed captions:

1. Open the Instagram camera either before recording or after uploading from your gallery.
2. Tap the effects icon.
3. Search for the closed caption you want (Bubble, Mumble, or Comic).
4. Select the effect you want to use and record with the effect or apply the effect to your uploaded gallery content.

 

3 New audio features in Instagram Reels

1. Adjust volume and add a voiceover: You can find them by clicking the song note icon on the preview screen after you’ve uploaded your reel.
2. Use your own audio: You can import audio from any video that you have in your library and overlay it onto your reel.
3. Text-to-Speech: If you prefer not to hear the sound of your own voice, there is the option to type your text and have a voice read it over your video.

 

Instagram is testing Creators Marketplace

Instagram has officially started testing its new creator marketplace, which is a hub constructed to help brands discover and reach out to creators about partnerships and campaigns. The marketplace is currently available on an invite-only basis to brands in the United States. The aim of the creator marketplace is to help creators signify their interests and select brands they are keen to partner with. Whilst enabling brands to find suitable creators for their campaign projects and pay them securely.

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How the creator marketplace will work:

1. Creators define their interests: Creators will have the option to specify what are their interests and select up to 10 items. This will enable Instagram to match what type of creators a particular brand is looking for.
2. Collaboration projects: Brands will be able to send projects to selected creators via an Instagram message. Once the creator has received the message (within a separate Partnerships tab in their Primary inbox in the Instagram app) they can view all the project details including the payment rate and then they have the option to either accept or reject the project.
3. Payments: If the creator accepts the brand’s project Instagram will process the payments for a project all within the app platform.

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Parental control on Instagram – 4 new updates

• Parental control is being rolled out in 7 more countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
• Parents can instigate the supervision of their teen’s Instagram account, in order to do this both the parent and the teen must agree to switch on the feature.
• Parents can set specific periods during the week for their teen to use the app, i.e., deciding times and days when their teen can’t use Instagram.

Parents will be provided information when their teen reports something on Instagram. The data will include who and what they have specifically reported.

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Take a break feature

Instagram launched its Take a Break feature to meaningfully improve the experience on Instagram for young people, parents and guardians. The take-a-break feature reminds users who have been browsing for a long time to stop, reset, and think about something else.

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How to turn Instagram’s Take a Break feature on or off:

• Open the Instagram app.
• Tap on the three lines in the top right corner.
• Tap on Your Activity.
• Select the Time Spent tab at the top.
• From here you will see the Take a Break feature and be able to turn it off or select your chosen duration.

 

Instagram launching nudges

The nudge feature is Instagram’s attempt to nudge young users away from toxic content. If users are spending too much time on one topic, specifically related to attractiveness comparison, Instagram will let them know they have consumed too much time on that one topic and suggest different topics to explore.

This is very helpful for discovering more interesting things on Instagram and getting more from the platform. The nudge feature is now available in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.

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New features for creators on Instagram

Grid pinning: This feature enables users to pin selected photos to their profile’s top of their grid. Users can pin up to 3 photos or videos.

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To start pin one of your posts:

1. Select the post you want to pin.
2. Tap the 3 dots in the top-right corner.
3. Choose Pin to your profile.

Extending Reels videos: Instagram users can now create Reel videos that are 90 seconds long.

Import your own audio in Reels: Users can record anything and use it for audio in their Reels videos. This feature was highly requested by the community.

Interactive stickers in Reels: Quiz, emoji sliders, polls and link stickers are now available for Reels, making them as interactive as Instagram Stories.

 

Updates for sensitive content control settings

In 2021 Instagram started a Sensitive Control Centre which allows users to filter content that some people may deem upsetting or offensive.

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The new update gives more options to control sensitive accounts in Explore, Search, Accounts You Might Follow, Reels, Hashtag Pages, and In-Feed Recommendations.
The Sensitive Content Control Centre has three options to choose from: More, Standard, and Less.

• Standard: This is the default setting and will prevent people from seeing some sensitive content and accounts.
• More: Enables people to view more sensitive content and accounts (the More option is unavailable to under-18 users).
• Less: This Means users see less sensitive content than the default setting.

To view your Sensitive Content Control, go to your profile, tap the Settings menu in the upper right corner, tap Account, then tap Sensitive Content Control and choose one of the 3 options.

 

Amber alerts on Instagram

In June Instagram announced they are launching Amber Alerts, allowing users to see and share notices of missing children in the area in an attempt to help find them.

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The Alert includes:

• A photo of the missing child.
• Details about the missing child.
• Contact details to report any information about the child.

These alerts are specific to the search area and will appear in your Instagram feed. If you receive one, it means there is an active search for a missing child nearby. Amber alerts are currently available in 25 countries around the world, including the UK.

 

Instagram brand refresh

If you have recently updated the Instagram app, you probably noticed some slight changes to the Instagram branding, specifically the app logo.

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Instagram has refreshed key elements of its brand identity to celebrate its global community of creators and refresh its visual identity. The brand update includes:

• New gradient and colour palette.
• Custom typeface.
• A refined approach to the layout and design.

 

NFTs on Instagram

Instagram has just unveiled a new feature that allows non-fungible tokens (NFTs) creators and collectors to showcase their creations on the platform. This is a significant step forward for the creative economy. Why? It is, after all, directly encouraging creators to profit from their work. There are various Instagram monetisation methods now, but the NFT community and collectors or developers of these unique digital tokens are a very interesting niche.

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Instagram revealed a simple way for consumers to share NFTs they bought in stories, chats, or feeds to join the NFT community. Instagram is a centralised platform with the goal of learning from the community and better understanding the new decentralised web 3.0.

 

Instagram badges for live videos

Instagram rolled out Badges for Live to all eligible creators. Badges are an option for creators to earn more money from their followers. They work very simply. During a live video, viewers can click an icon and buy badges to support the creator’s work. The badges are displayed as hearts next to the username of the person who purchased the badges.

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After the Live, creators can check more information about the badge count in their personal dashboard.

 

Delete a specific photo in a carousel

This option is particularly useful if you have a carousel of photographs and only want to delete one or two of them rather than the entire post. Instagram has a new option for iOS users to do this, and the processes are relatively straightforward:

• Go to the post on the carousel that you wish to change.
• Select Edit from the top-right dots icon.
• Look through the photographs to see which ones you want to get rid of.
• Select Delete from the menu.

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By heading to Settings > Account > Recently Deleted, you have 30 days to restore the deleted photo.

 

New safety features

Instagram is finally introducing more significant safety features for teenagers. Here is what’s new:

• Take a break: A feature that reminds users who have been browsing for a long time to stop, reset, and think about something else.
• Your activity: A dedicated location for managing all Instagram activities. The option to bulk erase all outdated content and control what is accessible publicly on users’ profiles is the most crucial.
• Parental controls: The first tool for parents and guardians, on Instagram. Parents will be able to establish time limits for their children’s use of Instagram, as well as receive notifications when their children report someone, allowing them to continue the discourse about the matter.

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These more serious features aim to help teens utilise the platform more safely.

 

Customise link sticker in Instagram stories

Link Stickers, the ability to add links to Instagram stories, were recently added by Instagram and are now available to all users – not only those with more than 10,000 followers, as was previously the case.

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This option is straightforward, as it displays a sticker, that when tapped, opens an external link. This feature has now been enhanced with new customisation options for the link label text.

Tip: To generate more clicks, try utilising your sticker with a strong call to action. Such as “Sign up for our newsletter!” or “Download our free toolkit.”

The new option displays as a customisable sticker text linked then you are able to click to enter your custom call-to-action.

 

Chronological order of the feed

Instagram is now experimenting with a chronological feed. The CEO of Instagram added three new options: Home, Favourites, and Following so that every Instagram user can pick how they want their posts to appear on their home page (two of which will show posts in chronological order).

• Home: Will function normally and provide the same user experience as before (post-ordering is determined by an algorithm). Essentially, this algorithm prioritises content based on how engaged it believes the user will be for most of their time.
• Favourites: Will display posts from accounts that users have designated as their favourite accounts.
• Following: The following option will be a chronological list of the accounts the user follows, which is similar to how other social networking apps sort their postings.

 

Scheduling live in Instagram profile

Instagram has had the option of going live for some time. Users may now isolate their Live from their posts or Stories and schedule it on their profile with this new add-on. Profiles will receive a badge with information from the live schedule to make this functionality more visible. Additionally, their followers will be able to opt-in to receive an alert when the Live is accessible.

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Instagram avatars

Finally, Meta released the long-awaited 3D avatars. 3D avatars, as opposed to static social media profiles, are a new visual representation of users’ more dynamic identities. The avatars are designed to be created on Instagram, Facebook, or Messenger apps. Even so, it can transport them across the Metaverse with all of your digital things, including clothes, collectables, and bags. To begin, follow the thorough instructions for creating your 3D avatar.

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Enhanced tagging feature

Enhanced tags are a new Instagram feature that allows you to tag all of the contributors and collaborators in your post. This means you may now offer credit to everyone who worked behind the scenes. Makeup artists, photographers, and designers can be tagged in your post to help them get recognised as creators and find new opportunities.

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New message features

Instagram declared earlier this year that messaging would become a more important tool in making the network more interesting for its users. A few more hidden gems to improve communications have been added to Instagram’s latest updates. Read our Instagram Introduces New Messaging Features blog to find out more.

 

New hashtag experience

Instagram has introduced additional hashtag options for users to promote, fundraise, and spread the news about important social causes. What’s new is this: Instagram determines whether hashtags are useful and represent a real cause in collaboration with relevant groups. Furthermore, each hashtag has its own destination, such as a dedicated hashtag page where users may start a fundraiser or share something with their network.

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This means you’ll be able to search for hashtags like #digitalmarketingevents and #smallbusinessappsandtools and be directed to their own pages.

 

Updated editing tools for Reels

Instagram just improved the editing tools for one of their most popular products – Instagram Reels – in case you missed it. This update should make trimming and rearranging video clips in the Reels composer a lot easier. With just a few touches, you can now reorder, delete, and trim each of your clips. How does it work?

1. Open Reels camera in your Instagram app.
2. Make a new video or upload one from your gallery.
3. Proceed to preview video clips and click edit video in the lower left corner.
4. To enter reorder mode, touch the reorder button and drag and drop your clips to delete or reorder them.
5. You can add more clips if you want by hitting the more clips button.
6. Post your Reel after you’ve finished editing!

 

Product tagging in Instagram feed

Instagram stated on April 18th, 2022 that the product tagging tool is now available to anyone in the United States. Previously only creators and companies could use this tool, but now anybody can use it to tag things on their feed. Users will be able to tag a brand and then specify a product on their published feed posts with this upgrade. People who tap on the product tag will view detailed product information. They can also buy the item right from the app or from the brand’s product detail page.

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Product tagging is currently only accessible for feed posts; however, Instagram is working on making it available for stories in the near future.

 

Immersive experience in the home feed

Instagram’s CEO said that the company is developing a more immersive experience in the app’s primary Home feed. This means that video will take up more space and become a larger component of the feed. Both photographs and movies will fill more of your screen — the format will be taller. The purpose of these feed adjustments is to figure out how users want to interact on mobile and whether the 9:16 format is better for a mobile-first experience. When we compare it to TikTok, we can see that they are already full-screen by default, therefore this move could be due to the competition.

 

Instagram tagged posts

Users can tag your Instagram profile and everything that you have been tagged in will appear under the tagged icon on your profile. The tagged icon is also a brilliant place for collecting user-generated content (UGC) and having the content here will also boost your social proof. As a result, make sure you encourage your customers to create user-generated content.

 

Instagram filters

An Instagram filter is a feature within the social media platform that allows you to edit your photo with a single click by adding pre-set edits to the image that Instagram created for you. While Instagram filtering appears to be simple and enjoyable, it’s vital not to overdo it, especially for businesses that use their feed to convert followers into customers. Consider the three rules below to help keep your filter game in line with your business.

1. Be consistent.
   
2. Do not “over-filter” your photos.
   
3. Ensure your Instagram filter choices stay on brand.

 

Instagram video

Instagram has invested extensively in short-form and live stream video, from Reels to Stories to Live. Instagram has announced that its long-form video platform, IGTV, will be phased out in the near future. Since then, IGTV videos have been integrated with feed videos, and they now appear on a single tab in your Instagram profile. All accounts now have the ability to create longer feed videos of up to 60 minutes. That means you’ll have even more room to experiment with long-form videos, as well as a dedicated tab. Long-form video may become even more worthwhile to invest resources in as tapping on videos will soon trigger full-screen viewing and scrolling. For more in-depth pieces of content, try experimenting with lengthier Reels and in-feed videos, to see how your audience reacts. Longer videos are great for providing even more value!

 

Partnership inbox

Gone are the days of missing out on opportunities due to a clogged inbox. Now, businesses and creators can easily identify and manage their collaboration messages in one place. The Direct Messages tab has a sub-folder called Partnership Messages. These communications bypass the request folder and are routed to the front of the queue, making it easier than ever to locate and manage branded content relationships.

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Story links

Remember when Instagram Story links were only available to individuals with 10,000 or more followers? It’s now open to the public. A link sticker can be used to drive readers to your website, product pages, blog posts, and more, regardless of how many followers you have. Marketers who use the platform to boost traffic would benefit from this. Here’s how it works: when you’ve created an Instagram story, go to the sticker icon, and select the link sticker. Enter the desired URL from here, and there you have it, you’ve got a link in your article.

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Find creators

Instagram has taken on the role of a matchmaker. A new set of tools are being tested on the platform to help brands and creators connect. Let’s start with the creators: users can create a favoured brand list and add brands to it. When a brand is looking for creators to collaborate with, individuals that have the brand on their list will show up first in the search results. This makes it simpler for brands to locate creators who have already expressed an interest. Instagram claims that brands will be able to filter creators by follower count, age, gender, and location, which will enable them to arrange shortlists to efficiently manage various campaigns.

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Add yours

You’ve probably noticed this feature while scrolling through Instagram stories, but how does it work? Add Yours is a new Instagram story sticker. It’s really straightforward:  someone creates a prompt and adds it to their story. Others can then add their own spin to the prompt. You can see everyone who has contributed to the thread by clicking on the sticker. If you make an Add Yours sticker with the suggestion “Outfit of the Day” for example, other users can respond with a photo or video of their own outfit. This feature gives the platform a new level of involvement. It is known to kickstart trends and difficulties due to its shareability. But it’s very effective for marketers in terms of starting discussions.

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Social fundraising

Instagram created a new social fundraising function in response to the economic impact of COVID-19. Users can set up fundraisers for their company or a cause that they care about. Instagram has experienced “a large wave of digital activism responding to the global conversation around racial justice” according to the company. This feature reflects a simple truth about today’s consumers: they are motivated by their beliefs. Consumers nowadays are seeking brands that actively make a statement on subjects that are important to them. It’s now easier than ever to organise fundraisers for such causes straight on Instagram. Keep in mind that all fundraisers are subjected to scrutiny. You’re ready to start raising money after you’ve been approved.

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Story auto-captions

Most people don’t watch Instagram stories with audio very often, which is why the new caption sticker is such a game-changer. This feature converts what is said in a video into text so that people can watch it without sound. This feature is also accessible on Reels, the company’s response to TikTok, for some users. Audiences can now interact with your videos, whether or not they have sound. This feature also contributes significantly to the accessibility of Instagram content.

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Collaborations

Instagram is now testing a new feature that allows you to co-author content with another Instagram user, which means that whatever you post will display on both of your accounts. On these posts, you can share likes, comments, and view counts. For brands, the collabs tool provides a new method to collaborate with influencers, raise brand recognition, and meaningfully engage with another community.

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Calendar tool

If you have an Instagram Business Account, there’s some good news: Instagram is intending to increase the data tracking time in Instagram Insights from 30 to 60 days. Third-party apps that enable a longer tracking period can finally be ditched by social media marketers. Instead, insights will make this information publicly available. This is an excellent example of Instagram paying attention to user input that has been seeking such an upgrade for months.

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Subscriptions

This year, Instagram introduced Subscriptions, a service that allows producers to charge a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive content and privileges. The way it works is that creators choose a monthly subscription price and a subscribe button appears on their profile. They can provide subscribers with a variety of incentives, such as exclusive live streams and stories. It’s part of a larger attempt to help creators make a living and stay active on the platform. This also allows producers to form stronger bonds with their audiences. This new feature arrives on the heels of Twitter’s announcement of a similar subscription model, Twitter Blue, and we expect more social media platforms to follow suit.

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Visual replies on Reels

Instagram has revealed a new way to respond to Reel comments – with another Reel. You can now generate visual replies to comments on Instagram Reels if you upload short-form films, similar to the TikTok reply option. It’s a fun and interactive approach to interact with followers and leads, and vice versa.

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Instagram guides

Instagram is known to be a place where you can easily get trustworthy information and inspiration from your favourite accounts. That’s why they have launched Guides, a new way to get suggestions, advice, and other material from your favourite Instagram creators, public figures, organisations, and publishers. When you browse Instagram Guides, you’ll find posts and videos handpicked by the creator, along with helpful tips and guidance. You may access the original Instagram post by tapping on the image or video if you want to learn more about a certain post. You can make your own Instagram Guide using one of the three formats below:

• Places: Recommend places in and around your city (fantastic for tourism and hospitality businesses).
• Products: Recommend some of your favourite products (from your store or others). Products must be available on Instagram Shopping.
• Posts: Recommend posts you have created or saved.

You can then add your own captions and commentary to show your audience your brand persona, voice, and tone.

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Instagram stories highlights

Highlights is a section on your Instagram profile where you can show off more of who you are by sharing stories you’ve previously posted. Instagram Stories have become an important part of how you express yourself, but there previously wasn’t an option to keep them up for longer than 24 hours. By grouping stories you’ve shared into highlights and featuring them on your profile, you can now more thoroughly express your identity. Stories Highlights display in a new section beneath your bio on your profile and you can have as many as you wish. From the best moments of your life to meeting the team, the interests and activities that matter most to you, or even product demos, have a place right on your profile.

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Instagram shopping

If you run a business that relies on product sales, Instagram’s Shopping features can be ideal for you. Instagram is constantly introducing new e-commerce capabilities in an effort to support businesses on the platform. Businesses can now include shoppable product tags in feed posts and Instagram Stories, as well as have an Instagram Shop discovery page on their profile to highlight in-stock products.

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With Instagram Shopping, you can create an interactive, visual shopping experience that develops connections and showcases your products to the world using real-time and pre-made content. Everything begins with you and your shop – your storefront on Instagram.

Your shop: People may browse products and explore collections in your shop, which is where you sell and share your brand story.

Collections: Collections allow you to personalise your store by grouping products into categories like new arrivals, gifts, seasonal trends and more.

Product detail pages (PDP): PDPs contain all relevant information about items in your product catalogue, including pricing and descriptions. They also pull in Instagram content tagged with the products and direct them to your website to finish a transaction.

Checkout on Instagram: Instead of sending consumers to your website from PDPs, checkout on Instagram allows them to make purchases directly in the app. Checkout is currently available to eligible US business and creator accounts (although, it won’t be long before the feature is rolled out here in the UK).

 

Instagram reels

Instagram reels are a new method to create and discover short, amusing videos on the social media platform. Reels allow you to create fun videos that you can share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. With audio effects and new creative tools, you can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos.

You may share reels with your followers on your Feed, ad if you have a public account, you can also make them available to the rest of the Instagram community via a new space in Explore. Reels in Explore offers anyone to become an Instagram creator and reach new audiences on a global scale. On the left side of your screen, you’ll find a selection of creative editing tools to aid in the creation of your reels, including:

• Audio: Use the Instagram music library to find a song. You can also utilise your own original audio by making a reel out of it. Your audio will be attributed to you when you post a reel with original audio, and if you have a public account, users can construct reels with your audio by selecting use Audio from your reel.
• AR Effects: To record several clips with different effects, choose from the many effects in the effect gallery, which were made by Instagram and creators all over the world.
• Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips without touching them. After pressing record, you’ll get a 3-2-1 countdown before recording for the duration you choose.
• Align: Before recording your next clip, line up elements from the prior one to help create smooth transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding new friends into your reel.
• Speed: Choose whether to speed up or slow down a segment of the video or audio you’ve chosen. This can assist you in keeping a steady beat or creating slow-motion videos.

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Instagram lives

Since its launch, Instagram Live has been a part of the Stories function. Initially met with some scepticism about how to exploit this feature, businesses and marketers have taken to it with great creativity to generate buzz around their products. Users feel a sense of urgency to view your live broadcast before it disappears because of its ephemeral nature. You can take advantage of this.

Offer promotions, discounts, or giveaways during your live broadcast, but market it beforehand with short clips or posts to entice your followers to watch. Instagram Live is also a fantastic way to generate leads. You can ask your followers to submit questions ahead of time regarding any topic you’ll be talking about during the live broadcast. To simply collect questions, use the ask me anything sticker on Instagram Stories. You can then respond to them in real-time. Your followers will appreciate you mentioning them, and the real-time interaction will increase brand awareness.

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Instagram carousel posts

A post featuring multiple photos or videos that can be viewed by swiping or clicking left is known as an Instagram carousel. As a single post on the feed, up to ten photos or videos can be published and shared. Each image in your carousel can have a caption, alt-mage text, a geotag, and account and product tags, just like any other Instagram post. People can also like, comment, and share your carousel post. Instagram carousel posts are one of the most adaptable tools for achieving your Instagram goals. You can increase engagement, reach new audiences, and even drive product sales with the right strategy.

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Instagram ads

With accurate targeting and actionable analytics, you can advertise your business and reach out to your next customers with Instagram Ads. With a single tap, you may boost your posts and instantly turn them into an ad. Encourage new ideas and decide who is most important to your business, and then reach out to them using flexible targeting options. Set a budget that works for you as the cost to advertise is up to you.

Choose a budget that meets your business objectives and change it as and when it’s needed. You can also keep tabs on your ad’s performance with insights, which will enable you to learn what works and enhance your ad performance over time. With simple and adaptable tools to help you achieve your objectives, you may turn any post into an ad by boosting it, or you can utilise Ads Manager for more advanced multi-platform campaigns.

Tip: Take advantage of curated formats to create attractive Instagram ads to achieve your goals.

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Want to learn more about Instagram marketing? Here’s some additional reading:

Getting Started with Instagram Guides

Why Is Social Media Engagement So Important?

Social Media Algorithms: What They Are and How They Work