Instagram never fails to surprise us. The platform never stops growing and developing new features so that businesses can promote their content more effectively and users can continue to support their favourite brands. Keeping up with all the new Instagram features can be pretty challenging; that’s why we’ve compiled a handy list of all the latest updates you may not be aware of yet…
1) Schedule posts within the app
Great news – you can now schedule Instagram posts within the app itself! You can set a particular date and time for all posts via your Instagram profile, instead of having to use third-party apps.
Pros:
Adds a level of convenience
No need to use third-party apps for scheduling
Cons:
Doesn’t allow cross-posting to other Instagram accounts
You cannot schedule posts on other social media platforms at the same time
How to use:
Create a post
Navigate to Advanced Settings
Click Schedule
Set your desired publication date and time
Done!
2) Video posts are now reels
Due to the popularity of Instagram reels, the platform will no longer allow users to upload standard video posts. All new video posts will now be converted to reels – so it’s vitally important to get acquainted with Instagram reels!
Pros:
Allows for consistency across the platform
Reels reach more users than standard video posts
Cons:
All reels are portrait view, which makes it difficult to use horizontally filmed content
Reels work very differently to Instagram videos, so extra research may be required
How to use:
Create a reel
Add your chosen photos and videos
Add stickers, tags, and trending music
Click Next and set a thumbnail image
Done!
3) No more cutting 60-second stories
Instagram has recently rolled out another highly requested feature. Users no longer need to cut one-minute stories into separate 15-second clips, making for a much smoother and easier viewing experience.
Pros:
Smoother playback of video clips on stories
Easier to style and design your stories
Cons:
None!
How to use:
Create a story
Add your chosen video(s)
Add stickers, tags, and links
Done!
4) Pin posts to your Instagram profile
You can now choose up to 3 of your favourite images or videos to pin to the top of your Instagram profile. This feature is not new for Twitter and TikTok but was definitely needed on Instagram.
Pros:
Gives your old content a new lease of life
Allows users to immediately see your key brand messages
Cons:
May take time to browse and choose your posts to pin
How to use:
Go to your Instagram profile
Navigate to your chosen post or video
Click Pin to your profile
Done!
5) New and improved analytics
Instagram has recently updated its analytical tools to give businesses better insights into their account performance. You can now view data for up to 90 days, measuring things like interaction with your account and your overall number of followers.
Pros:
Allows you to see which content has performed well or not
Helps you make more informed decisions about future content
Cons:
None!
How to use:
Navigate to Insights
Click Last 90 days
View your accounts reached, accounts engaged, and total followers
Done!
Social Media Strategies for Success from Melissa’s Copy
Struggling to get your head around all the new features on Instagram? Not to worry! Melissa’s Copy can help you create an intelligent Instagram strategy that is guaranteed to get results.
Click here to book your FREE consultation with one of our team today!