1. Instagram Insights is now available for up to 60 Days
Instagram Insights has extended the tracking period from 30 to 60 days! This will come in handy for all marketers to track their results better and make the most out of them.
There is also a new calendar tool that lets you tap into the specific dates you are interested in. The existing date range preset is still available if you’d prefer to stick to it.
2. Instagram will focus mainly on video instead of photos
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared that the social network won’t just be a photo-sharing app anymore and that it will focus more on videos to create better entertainment experience.
“We’re also going to be experimenting with how do we embrace video more broadly — full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video. You’ll see us do a number of things, or experiment with a number of things in this space over the coming months.”
~ Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram
So don’t be surprised if you see a lot more videos on Instagram in the following months! The four main key areas Instagram will be working in the near future are: Creators, Video, Shopping, and Messaging.
3. Instagram tests sticker links in Stories for all users
Has your brand been using the swipe-up links in Stories? They are one of the best ways to drive traffic from Instagram to your website or other preferable assets. So far, this privilege was only granted to verified users or ones with at least 10,000 followers.
The social network is now testing a similar feature in a sticker format which you can tap and visit a dedicated link. Instagram is considering opening it to all users, where everyone can add such stickers or reply to a Story with stickers.
Instagram will use this test to monitor what types of links people mostly post and keep an eye on avoiding any misinformation and spam.
4. Instagram launches Reels Ads
Reel Ads are here! Instagram Reels have become very popular for many brands, and now Instagram is creating the opportunity to boost your Reel reach and engagement even further with ads. This enhanced format will loop and be up to 30 seconds, and the audience can comment, like, view, save and share Reels ads.
“After testing in select countries, today we’re launching Reels ads to the world. Reels is the best place on Instagram to reach people who don’t follow you and a growing global stage where brands and creators can be discovered by anyone. These ads will help businesses reach greater audiences, allowing people to discover inspiring new content from brands and creators.”
5. Instagram tests new content recommendations in the main feed
Instagram had very positive feedback on their ‘suggested posts’ feature, so they decided to launch a new test related to those. This time suggested posts will be mixed with the user’s primary feed and will sometimes come ahead of the content of brands and people you follow.
Instagram is also considering giving users the control to add specific topics of interest for their suggested posts and letting them snooze recommendations for 30 days.
6. Instagram Introduces ‘Drops’ Product To Help Boost eCommerce
Shop ‘till you drop, they say! Well, Instagram will start teasing us all with great eCommerce opportunities with their new product showcase option called ‘Drops’.
It will be on the top of the Shop tab and help brands create a buzz about their upcoming products. It promises exclusivity and increased demand since most items will be in limited supplies for a short period of time.
It’s time to discover, browse and shop. Will your brand try this new feature?
7. New caption opportunities for your Instagram stories
Welcome the new caption stickers on Instagram stories! After months of testing, Instagram now provides auto-captions for videos on stories. Social media friends, stay alert as auto-captions won’t be 100% accurate, so you need to check those. The good news is that you can edit the text, color, position, and font to suit your brand. Instagram has released this new feature in many countries, but if yours is not among those yet – keep calm; it’s coming soon. Oh, and did we mention that the sound-off feature will also be available in Reels soon!
Sound off 🗣
…with sound off 🔇Now you can add a captions sticker in Stories (coming soon to Reels) that automatically turns what you say into text.
We’re starting in a handful of countries and hope to expand soon. pic.twitter.com/OAJjmFcx4R
— Instagram (@instagram) May 4, 2021
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Source: Falcon
