Hottest Instagram Updates This Year
Whether you are a social media manager or a digital marketer, you’ve likely used Instagram for your business. You might’ve noticed Instagram evolve quite a bit over the last few years.
Maybe you’ve tested your luck with “Reel Visual Replies” that allow creators to reply to user comments via videos and engage further. Or, perhaps, “Instagram Playback” is your favorite, allowing you to re-share your best-performing Insta stories.
Apart from these two, the latest Instagram updates demonstrate how IG’s focus is now entirely on video content: both live and pre-recorded. In fact, the newest algorithm combines IGTV and Feed videos into one format that lets creators practice and schedule Live Stream events.
As a live stream video production agency, naturally we’re interested in this. So, let’s delve into the hottest updates that have or will hit the ‘gram soon!
Instagram Reels Updates
In 2021, Instagram announced their algorithm had been overhauled to focus more on short video reels. Reels are full-screen vertical posts that last between 15 – 60 seconds.
Instagram understood that to remain competitive with Tik Tok and YouTube, it had to bring video to the foreground of its business model.
The Reels Monetization update applies to only those who have a creator account with a significant number of followers. The difference between an individual account versus a creator account is that the “creator” account is a business page. The creator features are available to those with a minimum 10,000 followers, however depending on your niche, 1,000 followers could be significant.
What is a “Creator” in Instagram’s Universe?
A creator is someone looking to build a personal brand or business. They are posting with a purpose. Creator account-types want the ‘bells and whistles’ that come with having a business account. This is not about people who post pics of their pets and their friends.
Depending on how many times a creator’s video loops are played, they are rewarded with bonus payments between $100 to $10,000!
Right now, Instagram is testing video layouts that allow the user to capture multiple videos in separate windows, one after another, and play them combined.
Another feature currently under development is the double exposure feature that allows users to capture a photo and then add video on top of it. It promotes scheduled live streams with a new banner and allows you to remix any video. The double exposure feature was perhaps the most impactful update on Instagram of all time because it gives IG users ways to enhance their reels, making them more scroll-stopping. You can turn a simple image into a masterpiece with a few clicks!
Instagram Map Search
You are probably already comfortable with Google Maps. Well, Instagram Map Search is very similar. It allows users to find different businesses within the app. You can find this feature in the search option on Instagram.
The tool has been a savior for new startups. It competes most with Google Maps in that it includes the same features: location, price, and quality of services. As of 2022, many business owners and entrepreneurs are utilizing Instagram Map Search to maximize business discovery.
Instagram Creator Mode
Creator Mode was introduced in early 2019 specifically for Instagramers who have over 10,000 followers. It allows creators to see more of their account’s statistical data. Creator Mode is an evolving process, adding new sections like “Instagram Marketing Tips” for creators to follow while designing new content.
Updated Instagram Insights
You cannot run your company’s Instagram social media account successfully without access to Instagram Insights. Nowadays, you can see data as far back as 90 days, versus the previous limit of 30 or 60 days.
Instagram Insights gives businesses an overview of all accounts. It lets you measure your account engagement between different content types in more detail so you can determine what your audience enjoys the most. Insights is a great free tool, but it may not be the best Instagram analytics app for serious social marketers.
Updated Instagram Insights
You cannot run your company’s Instagram social media account successfully without access to Instagram Insights. Nowadays, you can see data as far back as 90 days, versus the previous limit of 30 or 60 days.
Instagram Insights gives businesses an overview of all accounts. It lets you measure your account engagement between different content types in more detail so you can determine what your audience enjoys the most. Insights is a great free tool, but it may not be the best Instagram analytics app for serious social marketers.
Introduction Of Text-to-Speech & Voice Effects On Reels
Expect Instagram’s new Text-to-Speech feature coming later this year. Instagram says the Text-to-Speech feature “lives within our text tool in the Reels camera and allows an auto-generated voice to read your text aloud.”
Text-to-Speech in Reels is a fun new addition akin to Tik Tok’s effects; allowing you to narrate your video without using your own voice. Adding unexpected voices can add fun and humor to your Reels. In addition to adding different voices, Instagram now allows you to modify your audio when recording voice overs. Essentially, Instagram is making itself more like a production agency and less like a digital photo album.
Sticker Fun
At the end of 2021, Instagram released the “Add Yours” sticker. A hair salon could post Hairstyle of the Day, and followers can then add their own ‘Hairstyle of the Day’ via the sticker. This will show in their story on their Instagram profile, where followers can comment and post. It’s a great way for a business to engage with their community as they build a content chain together, and a fun way to discover more people.
The ‘Chronological Order’ Returns (Unreleased)
This unreleased feature might seem familiar if you are a Day 1 Instagram user. It ensures that the post you viewed in your feed was strictly based on the order in which it was posted.
The Chronological Order Algorithm was dropped a few years back in favor of displaying posts based on your preferences.
After years of dissatisfied user experiences, Instagram head Adam Mosseri finally stated that the company is working on a version of its feed that would show users’ posts in chronological order. It should deploy in the first quarter of 2022.
Badges for US Users (Unreleased)
With the upcoming release of “Badges” instagrammers can sell badges for money through live streaming. It represents a lucrative opportunity for creators who go live on Instagram. However there is one caveat, badges will only be available to residents within the United States who have over 10,000 followers.
How to Market your Business Using Social Media
Most of the Instagram updates are tailored toward marketing business services. If you are feeling a bit flustered about how best to take advantage of the latest Instagram updates, we’ve got some useful tips!
You don’t need to ‘Talk about Bruno’ or do the ‘RickRoll’ to get your message across. Rather, start with the basics.
Use background music that is trending. You can find which music is trending by looking for the ↗ sign in the Reels tab. Remember what is trending on TikTok is not necessarily trending on Reels, so do your homework.
Follow people in your target audience and tag local businesses and companies that you could collaborate with.
Lastly, Instagram recommends adding only 3 to 5 hashtags maximum in a post so that your content reaches a relevant audience.
Instagram’s current algorithm heavily favors video content right now. If you’re at a loss about where to start, True Film Production can bring your vision to life and support your Instagram goals with high quality video assets. Contact us today!
