Instagram is constantly testing, and implementing new features to keep it’s users excited and engaged. It can be hard to keep track of all the new updates, so we have put together a list of some of the new features that you should be excited about!
1. Link in stories!
It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here! Instagram has implemented a ‘link’ sticker button for all Instagram users, no matter what their following is. This means we can finally say goodbye to waiting for 10k followers to get the ‘swipe up feature’, and hello to adding a ‘link’ through the sticker button for all accounts!
2. Searchability and Hashtags
Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, has announced that there are major developments happening to improve keyword searchability in our captions. There has been differing advice suggesting that hashtags should be included in your first comment rather than in your caption, and visa versa. However, the new recommendation is to include your hashtags in your caption so that they are keyword searchable. If you put your hashtags in your first comment, they will still perform, however, they just won’t be searchable.
3. Say goodbye to direct sharing.
Previously, we would click the little arrow next to our comment button and share a post to our stories. Now, when you want to share a post to your stories, you will need to save the post, then create a story, and then use the ‘reshare’ sticker to select from your previously saved posts. It sounds a little complicated, but like most things, it will become natural to us with time.
4. Ads in Instagram Shops Tab
Instagram is constantly thinking of new ways to support eCommerce and small businesses. This new feature that is currently being tested will allow businesses to display ads within the shopping tab. The ad can be in the form of a single image or a carousel – making the products tagged shoppable. By clicking on the ad, users will be directed to the product page where they can learn more about the product and purchase it. Instagram is also playing around with the idea of testing ads in reels, so stay tuned!
5. Audio Tab for Reels.
The new audio tab allows users to search for reels by song. This makes it easy for users to save down the audio that they want to use for their next reel. It will be interesting to see how this works for business accounts, as there are audio restrictions in place due to copyright.
If you haven’t seen these new features on your profile, don’t panic! Instagram slowly rolls out the new features to different accounts at different times. If you have any questions about the new features, get in touch with our team!
