Everything You Need to Know about Instagram’s Latest Update
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By now, we’re sure you’re no stranger to an unexpected Instagram update. It seems like changes are being made all the time, and Instagram’s explanation is always that they are trying to improve the user experience and lean into the shift of changing and growing forms of online communication and social media.
Just a few days ago, Instagram released yet another update, and it has a lot of users confused, curious, or finding it difficult to adjust. That’s why we are here to explain all the new updates and provide some commentary from the folks at IG to help you understand what is going on.
The biggest change that comes along with this new update is that the photos and videos now appear in a new TikTok-style format that takes up your entire screen and forces you to swipe between individual posts. This feature has been slowly rolled out to users since the beginning of May, and like all other Instagram updates, you very well may be one of the users who haven’t had any changes to your account reflected just yet.
Anyway, people have their opinions about this new feed format. A popular meme account accused Instagram of “trying to be TikTok”, and a “Make Instagram Instagram again” movement has even begun.
We personally think there is some upside to these changes, and as a business or creator who relies on Instagram to attract new customers and build a community, sometimes, you have no choice but to learn and adapt.
We’re sure you know that Instagram has been placing importance on video content for several months, and reels are at the top of that list. And to help you get in the “reel” mindset, we have a special resource for you! Click on the link below to download three FREE reel covers for you to use. I stumbled across these templates and just knew I had to share them with you, so please note, CTM did not create them but you are free to use and re-purpose!
Download Your 3 FREE Reel Covers Here
With all of this being said, the changes we’ve already described aren’t the only ones…
Recommendations
Recommendations are going to be showing up on your feed more now than ever before. Recommendations are posts from accounts that you do not follow. The idea is, according to Adam Mosseri – Head of Instagram, “To help users discover new and interesting things on Instagram that you might know not know exist.”
If you’re not thrilled about this update, the good news is that you can snooze all recommendations for up to a month… or prevent them from populating on your feed entirely by utilizing Instagram’s new “following feed”… a special version of your feed that shows you on the people you are following that was part of another very recent update. Activate your following feed by clicking on “Instagram” at the top left corner of your app and choosing “Following” from the drop-down menu.
Essentially, the people over at Instagram think these updates (and keep in mind, they aren’t set in stone or even available to every IG user yet) are important to help creators reach more accounts, gain a new audience, and grow their following.
We truly think that this is GOOD news for business and we at CTM are going to embrace these changes. It will allow us to be seen and discovered on a larger scale and if we are on board with creating more video content, our chances for success in growing our businesses with these new updates in mind are much higher!
As your social media manager, we have the experience and know-how that small business owners who want to amp up their social media game need to know. We dedicate our time to keeping up with market trends, such as all the Instagram updates that seem to happen constantly, and we are here for you. So if you have any questions about how to adapt to the changes and grow your account, schedule a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can collaborate!
Of course, more updates are to come on all of Instagram’s ideas and changes, and we will be right here to fill you in on all of it, so keep on the lookout for more emails and be sure to read our blog for even more info.
If you want to learn more or need our guidance, we are here to help. Schedule a free strategy session today and we will show you everything you need to know!
Thanks for reading!
Talk soon,
Christian Taylor Marketing