This month, we discovered several new social media updates and features that are currently in trials or are ready to launch shortly. Known to be one of the best platforms, Instagram has seemed to push the boundaries through new fantastic features for us to all enjoy.
To keep you updated with all things new with Instagram and to help you adjust your business strategy, we have compiled a few of the upcoming updates and fantastic features that you may or may not know.
Uploading on Instagram through desktop
All we can say is, FINALLY! This has been a thorn in the sides of many Instagram users. As of 21st October, Instagram announced that users will now be able to post photos and videos via desktop, with the hope to help social media managers maintain their social presence.
Although those working in social media have used other mediums such as social schedulers to help post on IG via desktop, this new update is something we’re sure is being received with open arms. Instagram tested this new update for a while and was launched back in June for public testing. However, it is now available globally for us all. Of course, there is still a little more to go, as currently, this update only includes photos and videos and not stories or reels.
Instagram Makes Links in Stories Available to all Accounts
On the 27th of October, Instagram announced that links would now be available for all users to use in their Instagram Stories, and not limited to those with 10k followers or verified accounts.
Instagram took to their news site to explain their reasoning:
“When we first introduced Stories links, the feature was limited to verified accounts or those with a certain number of followers. We’ve heard from the rest of our community that they also want to share things that matter with their friends and family. Whatever you’re into, from cooking to volunteering or shopping, you now have a space to share in Stories – regardless of your account size.”
Once this feature goes live, everyone will be able to add their own links from their chosen source and add it to their stories. For businesses currently using Instagram as a way to communicate with their consumers, stories may be another focus within your social strategy to help drive further awareness and, ideally, engagement.
Instagram Tests Longer Video Content
Since the announcement from the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, that Instagram would no longer be a photo-sharing platform but a general entertainment app’, this new update we’re sure is not so surprising.
Instagram has been trying to incorporate more and more video content into the platform, and between stories, IG live and more recent reels, it seems as though they are indeed adopting a new look to Instagram.
Since July, Instagram increased reels to 60 seconds, and now they are in the process of trialling the same extension to stories. Meaning you could ideally upload reels to stories (creating the additional post awareness) or move it to your reels feed. Either way, it’s a great new addition that we can all use.
IG Live Practice Mode and Live-Stream Scheduling
For businesses using IG live, this one is for you. We’re sure that driving more awareness and viewers is top of your list when it comes to live-streaming. More viewers mean more awareness and, in time, sales for your products or services. Scheduling IG lives would allow followers to sign up and receive reminders and notifications for when you’re about to go live. You can schedule up to 90 days in advance, adding the relevant details (title description, product tags) as if you were to go live right away.
In addition, to live-stream scheduling, IG is currently trialling a new live practice option that will allow users to check their camera, lighting, mics and test connections with others without having to go live.
Co-Author Collaborations
Although we haven’t got full details on this new feature, we know it’s in the early stages. In a tweet earlier this month, Instagram announced:
“We are launching Collabs, a new way to co-author Feed posts and Reels. Invite an account to be a collaborator. Both names will appear on header, share to both sets of followers, live on both profile grids, share views, likes and comments,” the company said in a tweet.
This new feature is perfect for brand collaborations, as the post would appear on both collaborator feeds, enabling them to share the same piece of content with their followers.
Currently, the feature is only available to specific users, and unfortunately, there are no details about when users will be able to use it globally.
