What Changes are Coming to Instagram?
Social media updates are always popping up on the platforms that we use every day. On HMATime, we regularly shares our thoughts on these social media updates and how they can become a part of your PR strategy, like with this September blog post from Marissa on the latest finance features on Twitter.
When it comes to Instagram, they never stop surprising us – introducing new updates nearly every week. Here are some of the fresh features coming to Instagram that you can take advantage of.
Desktop Uploads Are Finally Here
Do you use Instagram on your desktop? If so, the game has changed as Instagram now allows users to share both photos and videos directly from the computer. This desktop integration provides a more streamlined way to upload content directly from your computer which is a big help for social media managers who are most likely posting every day and creating content on desktop apps like Canva and Photoshop. This update does not include story or reels posting yet, but we are sure to see it soon enough.
Prioritizing Video
For the past few years, Instagram has pushed to make video content king – the platform has done this through the introduction of IGTV, an answer to YouTube that allows pages to post long form content, and Instagram Reels, an answer to TikTok that allows users to post brief videos with custom sounds. This summer, Instagram began allowing users to post 60 seconds reels, as opposed to the original 15 and 30 seconds. Now they are doing the same with stories as the platform has begun testing 60 seconds stories. As more and more updates geared towards video come out, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.
Branded Content Tools
As the holiday season approaches, Instagram has started rolling out features for influencers that make it easier to communicate with brands for collaboration. This includes a “Partnerships” messaging folder that separates messages from brands and can show when brands have flagged an influencer as someone they are interested in working with. Another feature is a digital storefront that will allow influencers to show off what products they are sponsoring and will allow followers to purchase directly on the app from their Instagram page.
As 2021 begins to wind down, these new Instagram trends will allow you to engage with your audiences and finish the year with a bang.
