Instagram continues to broaden its range of features to meet the needs of individual users and brands. The platform is constantly testing and implementing new functionalities that make collaboration easier, increase audience engagement, and enable the creation of more appealing content. Which features should you know about?
Collaborations Through Shared Instagram PostsBER
One of the fastest-growing features on Instagram is the ability to create collaborations (shared posts) with other accounts. The original author of a post can tag another private or public account as a co-creator, which the tagged account can accept or decline. Upon acceptance, the post will appear on both profiles and be shared with followers on both accounts’ Instagram feeds. The original content creator can add or remove the tagged account at any time. This kind of collaboration increases post reach, providing an opportunity to be noticed by both your audience and that of your co-creator.
Reels Replies
Following TikTok’s example, Instagram introduced the Reels reply feature, giving creators and brands more options to build a closer connection with their audiences. When a user leaves a comment on a publicly shared Reel, the creator can respond with another video, creating a direct dialogue with the commenter. This feature allows creators to answer questions, acknowledge positive feedback, or address negative comments with their responses.
The Threads App
In the summer of 2023, Meta launched the Threads app, which uses the same login credentials as Instagram. If you already have an Instagram account, you can easily access Threads – simply log in. So, what sets this app apart? Threads was designed as a direct competitor to the well-known social network X (formerly Twitter). With similar functionalities, users can post text updates, images, videos, and voice notes and also react to, share, or reply to others’ posts. Initially, Threads appeared to have the potential to become the next Twitter; however, news agencies soon reported a decline in daily active users, leaving the app’s future uncertain. While it remains popular, Threads could be an excellent tool to boost your visibility on social media – but avoid investing too much time here just yet.
Polls in Comments
Instagram’s comment polls are a relatively new feature. These polls are similar to the popular Instagram Stories polls, with results displayed under the post. Using this functionality, you can encourage greater audience engagement and gain better insights into your followers. However, “Polls” functionality isn’t available everywhere; the ability to create such polls is still in testing and may be limited based on account type or region.
Music – Everywhere
Can’t hear photos, right? Well, on Instagram, you can. You can now add music not only to Reels but also to stories, still photos, or carousels, enhancing the attractiveness of your content. Feeling nostalgic for the Myspace era? You can now add a personal soundtrack to your Instagram profile. Just tap “Edit Profile,” select “Add Music,” and find your favorite song. Choose a 30-second snippet and hit “Done” – and music will now play on your profile!
These new features give users more ways to communicate and create effectively, helping increase post reach, better understand audiences, and maintain connections with followers. Even though some features may not yet be available everywhere, Instagram’s possibilities are expanding. Curious about what else this social network can offer? Or perhaps looking for someone to manage your Instagram communications? Let’s talk!