Social media is always changing. And Instagram is no exception. With frequent updates, it can be hard to keep up with all the new features. This article will summarize the key Instagram updates from 2022 that you need to know about going into 2023.
Collaborative posts on Instagram just got a major upgrade. Now, you can collaborate with up to 4 other accounts on a single post or Reel. This is perfect for:
By allowing up to 4 accounts to co-post the same content, you can expand your reach 4x on a single post. More eyeballs, more engagement, more traffic. What’s not to love?
This new 4-way collab is an extension of the existing collaborative posting feature. But now, your collaborations can be bigger and better.
Threads by Instagram launched to a lukewarm reception. Many felt it was too barebones. But recent updates have added more functionality. While adoption remains slow, here are some of the newest additions to Threads:
For You + Following Feeds
Like Twitter, Threads now has:
This makes it easier to discover new content and stay up-to-date with your connections.
Automatic Translations
Threads will detect languages and translate posts automatically. No more guessing what that post says!
More Activity Options
Your activity feed now shows follows, reposts, and more. You have more insight into what’s happening.
One-Click Following
Easily follow back people who follow you right from your followers list. No more follow limit headaches!
Overall, Threads is now more functional. But it still faces an uphill battle gaining traction and retention.
Instagram really wants people to create more Reels. And they’re making it as easy as possible with their latest updates.
Reels now has browseable templates categorized by topic. You can instantly access templates to make cooking Reels, travel Reels, dance Reels, and more.
The templates pre-select music, arrangements, and text. All you do is add your own video clips. It’s Reels creation on autopilot.
When creating a Reel, you can now add text easily from the Reels composer. Instagram actively pushes users to add text natively within Reels rather than overlaying text afterward.
Text helps their systems understand what a Reel is about. And natively added text leads to better distribution on Explore and Reels tabs.
Reels editing just got a major revamp as well. With 5 new options, Reels editing is nearly on par with competitors like TikTok.
Split Clips
Easily split a longer video into multiple clips within Reels. No more jumping back and forth between apps.
Adjust Speed
Speed up or slow down your clips right in the Reels editor. From 0.3x to 3x.
Replace Video
Swap out a clip for a different one without starting over. Huge time saver!
Trim Audio
Getting the perfect part of a song is easier than ever. Trim audio clips right within Reels.
Adjust Clips
Nudge your clips to perfectly line up with templates. Or easily create your own arrangements.
Together, these updates make Reels editing faster, more powerful, and more flexible.
New Reels Editing Features | Descriptions |
---|---|
Split Clips | Divide longer videos into multiple clips |
Adjust Speed | Speed up or slow down clips |
Replace Video | Swap out clips quickly |
Trim Audio | Get the perfect audio snippet |
Adjust Clips | Nudge clips into perfect position |
Paid subscriptions on Instagram have been around for a bit. But now they are expanding to more countries.
Subscriptions allow creators to offer exclusive content and experiences to paying subscribers. This includes things like:
Subscriptions are now available in the US, UK, Canada, and 8 other countries. With additional countries coming soon.
For creators, subscriptions are a way to establish deeper connections with your most engaged fans. And earn recurring revenue by providing subscriber-only content.
Instagram is rolling out a number of new features aimed at improving safety and privacy for younger users. Teens face increased bullying and unwanted contact on social platforms. Instagram is hoping these updates provide better protections.
Limit Contact From Strangers
Teens will now have the option to limit DMs and comments to people they follow or that follow them. This makes it easier to avoid unwanted contact from strangers.
Nudge Teens Away From Harmful Content
If teens are repeatedly looking at content that may encourage harmful social comparison or body image issues, Instagram will nudge them to look at different topics.
Make Blocking Easier
Blocking accounts will now remove those accounts from everywhere on Instagram, not just your feed. And list who you’ve blocked for easy management.
Default Accounts to Private
New teen accounts will now be private by default when they sign up. This prevents teens posts from being seen by unwanted strangers and adults.
While not perfect, these updates do provide teens with more control over their Instagram experience.
Comments are core to the Instagram experience. And misinformation in comments has been problematic. New comment controls aim to improve conversations.
Filter Offensive Comments
Expanded filter capabilities will automatically detect and hide offensive comments. This removes the need to manually delete them.
Manage Multiple Unwanted Comments
You can now select multiple comments at once to delete or report them. No more repetitive tapping for large volumes of comments.
Pin Comments
Keep positive and relevant comments at the top by pinning them. This showcases engagement you want first.
Delete Comments in Batches
Moderators can now delete up to 25 comments at once. Useful for quickly removing large numbers of inappropriate comments.
Together these updates create commenting experiences that are safer and more relevant.
New Comment Moderation Tools | Descriptions |
---|---|
Filter Offensive Comments | Automatically detect and hide offensive comments |
Multi-Select | Choose multiple comments to manage at once |
Pin Comments | Keep the best comments pinned at the top |
Bulk Delete | Moderators can delete up to 25 comments at once |
Instagram is laser-focused on commerce. And they’re rolling out more tools for businesses and creators to make money.
Improved Shop Features
The Instagram Shop tab continues improving. New features like verified seller tags and shoppable drops aim to drive more shopping activity.
Sell Media Across Apps
Creators can now sell photos, videos, and other media through Instagram to unlock new revenue streams. Your media is available for licensing across Meta’s apps.
Expanded Facebook Cross-Posting
More post types can now be cross-posted from Instagram to Facebook. This exposes your content to broader audiences to drive engagement.
Monetization Eligibility Toolkit
This new toolkit checks your account eligibility for features like ads and Shopping. Identify monetization opportunities.
Instagram is providing businesses and creators more ways to generate revenue directly on their platform.
For creators and publishers, Instagram is rolling out tools to simplify content creation and storytelling.
Dual Camera Recording
Record using your phone’s front and back cameras simultaneously. Seamlessly stitch together different perspectives.
Import Video to Reels
Reels can now include video from your phone’s gallery. This makes repurposing video content into Reels easier.
Remix Any Public Photo
For Reels, you can now remix and reinvent any public photos. Enable new creative storytelling formats.
Visual Refresh Scheduler
Schedule feed post refreshes up to 75 days in advance through Creator Studio. Keep old content looking new.
New Creative Tools | Descriptions |
---|---|
Dual Camera | Record using front and back cameras simultaneously |
Import Video to Reels | Repurpose existing clips into Reels |
Public Photo Remixing | Use any public photo in your own Reels |
Visual Refresh Scheduler | Schedule feed post refreshes up to 75 days in advance |
Instagram is evolving faster than ever. To recap, the most important Instagram updates to know include:
Knowing these updates will help you take advantage of new opportunities on Instagram. Save this overview for reference to ensure you never miss key changes.
What updates are you most excited to try out on Instagram? Let us know in the comments below!
Instagram is constantly releasing new features. But how do you actually use them to boost your brand? Here are tips for capitalizing on some of the latest Instagram updates.
Collaborating with multiple accounts on 1 post expands your reach exponentially. Here are ways to maximize 4-way collabs:
Do Audience Research
Make sure collaborator audiences align with yours. Analyze their demographics and interests to find ideal partnerships.
Alternate Who Posts
Have each account post a collaborative Reel or photo once per month. Spread the benefits across all partners.
Cross-Promote
Have all accounts drive attention to the collab with posts and stories beforehand. Gain momentum leading up to the launch.
Focus on Reels
Collabs have the biggest impact as Reels. Take advantage of the increased visibility Reels get on Explore pages.
Give Sneak Peeks
Share teasers of the collab in the days before launch. Build anticipation among your collective followers.
With the right partners and promotion, 4-way collabs are an easy win for increasing reach and engagement.
Reels are a key way to get found by new audiences on Instagram. Make it as easy as possible for your Reels to be discovered with these tips:
Use Engaging Audio
Audio can make or break a Reel. Use music or popular audio clips already getting engagement.
Hop on Trends
Look at popular hashtags and try trending Reel ideas. Put your spin on what is resonating now.
Post at Peak Times
Analyze when your followers are most active and post Reels during those high traffic windows.
**Remix & Respond **
Engage with viral photos and Reels by remixing or responding to them in your own Reels.
Optimize Captions
Include relevant captions, hashtags, and tags in your video descriptions. Help Instagram understand the content.
Reels that leverage trends and audio paired with optimization have the best shot at going viral.
Loyal followers are perfect candidates for upselling to a paid subscription. Try these tactics:
Promote Subscriber Perks
Let fans know exactly what they get from a subscription. Show them the value.
Offer Exclusive Content
Post snippets of subscriber-only content to give them a preview and entice signups.
Gate Access Occasionally
Restrict some sought-after content like Lives or giveaways to subscribers only.
Highlight Paid Subs
Thank and feature paid subscribers in posts and Stories. Make them feel valued.
Run Limited Promos
Offer time-bound sales, discounts, or gifts for new subscribers to incentivize signups.
Subscriptions work best when you showcase the exclusive experiences subscribers unlock.
Instagram presents unique opportunities for businesses. But you need the right strategy to capitalize. Follow this Instagram guide to set your business up for success.
Before posting anything, establish your brand story and voice.
Identify Your Purpose
What do you stand for? What change do you exist to make in the world? Define your driving beliefs.
Establish Your Voice
Choose an authentic narrative voice. Are you fun and irreverent or sophisticated and elegant? Match it to your brand.
Plan Content Pillars
Group your posts into overarching themes and content pillars tied to your purpose and voice.
Design Visual Identity
Create cohesive visuals that reinforce your style. Add your logo, color scheme, fonts, and filters.
Be Consistent
Stick to the story, voice, pillars, and designs you outlined above across all your Instagram content and activity.
Defining your narrative and aesthetics from the start creates consistency and recognizability.
Once your brand story is set, focus on increasing your audience.
Respond to All Comments
Reply to any comments, questions, or feedback on your posts. Show you actively engage with your audience.
Interact With Followers
Proactively like and comment on your followers’ posts. Build more personal connections.
Run Giveaways
Run contests and giveaways that encourage followers to like, comment, and share for a prize.
Promote Offline
Add your Instagram handle on packaging, receipts, in-store displays, and elsewhere.
Partner With Micro-Influencers
Collaborate on co-marketing campaigns with relevant micro-influencers in your niche.
The more you interact with and incentivize your audience, the more it will grow.
Growing an audience is just step one. You also need to convert those followers into paying customers.
Spotlight Specific Products
Showcase individual products with dedicated posts explaining features and value.
Share User-Generated Content
Re-share customer posts of them enjoying your products. The social proof builds trust.
Link in Bio to Sales Page
Drive traffic to your site by linking your bio and posts to a sales landing page.
Run Targeted Paid Ads
Create paid ads spotlighting your product and aimed at lookalike audiences.
Retarget Site Visitors
Remarket to people who visited but didn’t convert on your site to re-engage them.
Converting passive followers into active purchasers takes a mix of education, offers, and retargeting.
Analytics should guide your Instagram strategy. Track these metrics:
Impressions
Total impressions measures how many times your posts are seen. Aim to increase reach.
Engagements
Engagements include likes, comments, shares, and more. Higher engagement equates to interest.
Clicks
Click tracking tells you what posts and products attract the most clicks. Double down on what resonates.
Conversions
Conversion tracking ties clicks to actions like purchases, email signups, content downloads, etc. Optimize for conversions.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Ultimately calculate your Instagram ROI based on sales revenue driven and costs. Profit is the goal.
Analyze your data to see what’s working and what’s not. Continuously improve your strategy based on the numbers.
The fundamentals for an effective Instagram strategy include:
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