Instagram’s newest updates will change the way your businesses uses the platform in 2022. These changes are here to stay, so do not get behind the 8-ball and check them out for yourself.
- New Instagram feed
- 2022 Instagram trends and app focus
- Subscriptions
- Messenger updates
- Profile embed
- Customisable grid
- Reel replies
Not yet convinced? Don’t have the time? Not sure it will benefit you?
Well…do you remember when reels were first introduced?! How long did it take for you to create a reel? Probably too long. But, how many businesses adopt them from the beginning and saw significant growth and engagement? LOTS! Don’t make the same mistake.
Fortunately, it’s not too late to become familiar with these new changes, reap the benefits and become a leader before everyone is forced to follow the pack.
So, if you are sick of playing the catch-up game, get in front by learning about all the new Instagram changes today!
New Instagram Feed – Home, Favourite and Chronological
Your entire Instagram feed is set to change.
Currently, Instagram’s feed is based on an algorithm that recommends posts based on an individuals activity (incl. likes, comments & shares) and assumed interests. For inactive businesses who do not post consistently or do not have an optimised business page, it means many of your followers have not been shown your content. You appear as a ghost to them.
However, soon you will see three new types of feeds you can choose from – Home, Favorites, and Following:
- Home: This will be similar to the “experience you know today.” Although unconfirmed, we expect to see a lot more suggested content populating and more visibility to all businesses.
- Favourites: This feed will consist of content from a curated list of accounts. You can choose which accounts you do not want to miss a post or update from by making them a favourite…thus prioritising their content at the top of your feed (aka @TourismTribe ????).
- Following: And finally, this feed will be a chronological list of all the accounts that you follow. This means no algorithms, no prioritised pages and therefore more visibility for your business…(well at least to those users who choose this type of feed).
Head to 0.18 seconds to see whether or not you have access to these three different feeds. If you don’t, do not worry they will be roll-out to everyone soon.
Instagram’s focus in 2022
In 2021, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram said “Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app” and it is important to think about what Instagram is and how businesses and creators make money from the platform.
The focus this year will be:
- Video: Specifically Reels. Instagram plans to double-down its focus on video content and consolidate all video formats around Reels. So, if you have not created a Reel yet, you are doing yourself a disservice as Instagram is prioritising this form of content over posts, stories and other videos. Learn how to create an Instagram Reel here.
- Messaging: Messaging is the number one way to communicate with individuals online and build a stronger connection with followers. The overall aim is to make Instagram the go-to destination for friends to connect about their interests.
- Control / Transparency: Recent upgrades have given users the ability to manage sensitive content, hide like counts and hide offensive language in their Direct Messages.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are Instagrams’ way of allowing creators to develop deeper connections with engaged followers as well as grow a more sustainable recurring income.
This new feature gives ‘subscribers’ access to exclusive content and benefits including:
- Subscriber Lives: Creators can go live exclusively to their subscribers, allowing creators (i.e. businesses, influencers, etc) to foster a more loyal and interactive community.
- Subscriber Stories: Creators can create stories just for their subscribers.
- Subscriber Badges: Creators will see a purple badge next to next to their subscriber’s comments on posts and in their direct messages thereby allowing them to prioritise these individuals.
However, subscriptions may only be applicable to certain industry types (i.e. coaching, training & entertainment). Therefore, it is important for other industries such as tourism, events, retail, construction and so forth ( to understand the implications this may have on their engagement rate and thus the importance of creating valuable content that aligns with their audience.
Please note this feature may not be available to everyone until the end of 2022.
Instagram improves live scheduling feature
As Instagram continues to prioritise video and messaging on the platform, they have announced they’re making improvements to how users can schedule and promote Live videos.
Scheduled Lives will now have more visibility as they will appear as badges on creator profiles, just below the bio. Users will now be able to click on the badges to subscribe for Live reminders.
Small business content to go Live with:
- Important business updates (e.g. COVID, events, promotions and discounts – these videos short be short and sweet)
- Q&A session
- Business tour/product demonstration
???? New Features ????
Some fun ones this week:
– Live in Profiles
– Remix VideoLet me know what other features you’d like to see ???????? pic.twitter.com/Y0QIR7PgPF
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) January 26, 2022
Messenger updates
Instagram has recently added several new features to its direct messages. Increasing connection and community between businesses and users.
Take a look at these hidden gems in messages:
- Replies
- Custom emoji reactions
- Polls
- Animated message effects
View this post on Instagram
Profile embed
For years, users have been able to embed a post or video from their Instagram profile onto their website.
Now, you can embed a miniature version of your profile on your website without having to use third-party tools. Please note, this feature is only currently available in the US.
Customisable grid
It’s rumoured Instagram will be introducing a customisable grid that allows you to rearrange posts in any order you like.
The change will help businesses prioritise which posts get seen the most at the top of their page when new users click on their profile, similar to Facebook’s pinned post.
In Summary…
These new Instagram features and updates in 2022 aim to significantly benefit businesses.
Therefore, although some of these features are not currently available to users in Australia, it is important that you remain up-to-date and get involved when they become available.
Now, if you have not experimented with Reels yet you are throwing money down the drain. Book a One-on-One coaching session with our experts who can create a tailored strategy, content plan and ensure your marketing efforts align with your ideal target market.
