There have been a lot of changes on the platform Instagram lately - some have been a great hit with influencers and creators, others... not so much. Here's Youbee Media's marketing consultancy round up of the latest platform changes and what they mean for businesses and social media management.
Instagram Guides
First created in May 2020, Instagram worked with experts and creators to create Guides which were focussed on providing users with well-being tips and products. These tips included topics such as, how to look after yourself, maintain a connection with others and manage anxiety of grief. In the new COVID world of 2020, this was well received, and as a result, Guides are starting to grow.
You can find Guides on your Profile and share them with friends as a Direct Message, or on your story. To find Guides on the latest platform update, click on the 'bag' icon for Instagram Shop and scroll across to 'Explore Guides'. You will see many influencers sharing their Guides here, which will look a bit like a mini blog. Youbee Media see Instagram Guides being a big hit in the run up to Christmas. If you're a B2C business (Business to Consumer), you could consider asking bloggers or influencers to add your product to a Gift Guide for 2020 - or even create your own!
New app layout
This is the controversial one! But not because of the thought behind the changes, more because we're creatures of habit. We've learned how to add a post or a story to our Profile, and now things have moved around a bit.
The thought behind the changes comes back to the Shop and also Reels. Instagram predicts Reels will become huge as the platform continues to grow and users become more inclined to view entertaining content here. Essentially, the Reels tab makes it easier for you to discover short, fun videos from creators all over the world and people just like you. The Shop tab gives you a better way to connect with brands and creators and discover products you love.
As Instagram is typically aimed at a younger demographic than Facebook or Twitter, the Reels feature is very much aimed at creators and trendsetters.
With more people at home, on furlough or in isolation - celebrities, creators and friendship groups have been creating these short, entertaining videos. This update puts Reels at centre stage on Instagram and gives you access to these videos much quicker. Instagram has said: "We’re excited about the new design and believe it gives the app a much-needed refresh, while staying true to our core value of simplicity. We’ll continue listening to your feedback so we can keep improving Instagram for you."
Here at Youbee Media, we also welcome the refresh as it makes it easier for you to post to your Feed, Story, Highlight, IGTV, Reel and Guide - all from one place. It's simplicity at it's best as well as responding to the demands of users.
New Messaging experience
This latest update will be rolled out to users this week - so it's a brand new feature. The new experience includes things such as 'Watch Together', where you and a friend can tune into IGTV, Reels as well as TV shows and films and watch them in real-time, together.
Another new feature will allow you to be able to personalise your chats with themes. You can express your feelings and reactions with emojis, share your favourite song and truly personalise the experience with a friend.
Finally, the third latest update to become available is vanish mode. This is an opt-in feature that makes seen messages disappear after you leave a chat thread. To turn it on, just swipe up in an existing chat thread – and you’re in vanish mode. Swipe up again and you’re back to your regular chat. Vanish mode has been designed with safety in mind - giving you the freedom to choose what you see, and hide what you don't want to see. Only people who are following each other on Instagram or who are connected on Messenger can use vanish mode in one-on-one chats. Vanish mode is also optional: you choose whether you enter vanish mode with someone. If someone takes a screenshot of your chat while you’re using vanish mode, you’ll be notified. And as always, you can block someone or report a conversation if you feel unsafe.
This seems like a great feature to increase safety and well-being in Instagram, especially for the younger users.
For social media management advice, work with Youbee Media or join one of Becky’s marketing workshops for expert consultancy support.
