
Is Your Instagram engagement in the Graveyard? 16 predictions and new updates to resurrect your Instagram
Oct 29, 2024
Instagram’s constant updates mean exciting new tools and a dynamic platform for small businesses looking to expand their brand visibility and engagement. As we approach 2025, let’s dive into some of Instagram's latest features, trends, and predictions and how each can be seamlessly integrated into your Instagram marketing campaigns. From new ways to share media to an increased focus on user safety, here’s what you need to know to make the most of these tools.
- **Add Media to Carousel After Sharing**
Instagram now allows users to add more media to carousels even after posting. This feature is a huge plus for small businesses who may need to add more images or videos over time without creating new posts.
*Marketing Tip:* If you’re hosting a multi-day event, such as a sale or product launch, you can update your carousel daily to keep your audience engaged and provide fresh content. This way, your post stays relevant and current, potentially attracting more viewers each day.
- **Social Library for Shared Media in Chats**
The Social Library is a helpful addition for users who frequently share media through Instagram’s chat feature. Now, you can find any media shared in chats all in one place.
*Marketing Tip:* Use the Social Library to keep track of influencer content or images shared by brand advocates. With this feature, you’ll easily locate and reshare valuable content, boosting brand credibility and engaging with followers in a more interactive way.
- **New Collage Feature in Stories**
Instagram Stories now support collages, making it easy to post multiple images at once. This is a creative opportunity for brands to share “photo dumps” or product showcases in a more engaging layout.
*Marketing Tip:* Showcase your products in a visually appealing way using the collage feature. Small businesses in beauty, fashion, or retail can use this feature to highlight best-selling items or create themed story highlights.
- **Multiple Profile Pictures**
Now, Instagram allows you to display multiple profile pictures, adding a bit of personalisation to your profile.
*Marketing Tip:* This feature is perfect for small businesses with multiple facets, such as brands offering both products and services. Add different profile images that reflect your offerings or seasonal themes. It’s a quick and easy way to show versatility while maintaining brand cohesiveness.
- **Sort Reels by Most Viewed**
Creators can now sort Reels by views, which is a helpful tool for understanding what content resonates most with your audience.
*Marketing Tip:* Reviewing your top-performing Reels can provide insights into the type of content that drives the most engagement. Use this data to refine your strategy and develop more of the content your followers want to see, helping you maximize reach and build brand loyalty.
- **New Sextortion Safety Features**
Instagram is implementing tools to help protect teens from sextortion scams. New measures include hiding follower lists from potential scammers, preventing certain screenshot actions in DMs, and nudity protection.
*Marketing Tip:* For brands targeting young audiences or offering family-friendly products, highlighting Instagram’s safety features can reassure parents and teens about their online safety. Share content that emphasises your brand’s commitment to creating a safe online environment.
- **Broadcast Channels Allow Replies**
Broadcast channel owners can now enable replies from subscribers, allowing a more interactive communication channel.
*Marketing Tip:* This feature opens up new possibilities for direct engagement. Use it to receive feedback on new products or services, launch exclusive offers, or host Q&A sessions, creating a stronger bond with your subscribers.
- **Profile Card QR Codes**
QR codes linked to Instagram profiles are now available, making it easier to share your account in the real world.
*Marketing Tip:* Add your Instagram QR code to business cards, packaging, or store signage to encourage customers to connect with you online. This simple addition can lead to more followers and ultimately increase brand awareness.
- **ASK META AI Feature**
Instagram's new AI feature, ASK META, allows users to ask questions and get quick responses.
*Marketing Tip:* Consider promoting ASK META to your followers for commonly asked questions about your brand or products. AI-driven answers provide quick solutions, enhancing the customer experience and freeing up time for you to focus on other aspects of your business.
- **Commenting on Instagram Stories**
Instagram now allows comments directly on Stories, which are visible to everyone.
*Marketing Tip:* Encourage comments on Stories by creating engaging content that sparks a reaction. Polls, Q&A prompts, and behind-the-scenes looks are perfect ways to boost Story interactions and encourage more comments.
- **Memories Tab in Stories**
Instagram has introduced a “Memories” tab for Stories, making it easy to re-share old memories.
*Marketing Tip:* Use this feature to bring back successful posts or campaigns from the past year. For seasonal events like holiday sales or product anniversaries, resharing these memories can remind your audience of your offerings and build nostalgia.
- **Music in Carousels and Reels Push**
Instagram now pushes carousels and single images with music to the Reels tab, increasing their reach.
*Marketing Tip:* Adding music to carousel posts can help extend your reach. Use upbeat tracks for product highlights or new arrivals and see how they perform on the Reels tab for better visibility.
- **Best Practices Guidance for Creators**
Instagram now offers a Best Practices feature, found in the professional dashboard, with tips on how to maximize reach and monetise content.
*Marketing Tip:* Regularly check Instagram’s professional dashboard for guidance on maximising content reach. Implementing these tips can boost visibility, help you understand your audience, and leverage Instagram’s tools for increased brand success.
- **Thumbnail Crop for Reels**
Creators can now edit the crop of Reel thumbnails, allowing more control over how the video appears in their feed.
*Marketing Tip:* Use this feature to present the most visually engaging thumbnail for each Reel. The right thumbnail can entice users to click on your Reel, potentially boosting views and reach.
- **Optimised Hashtag Strategy: 3-5 Hashtags**
Instagram has shared that 3-5 hashtags yield the best reach, a notable change from previous practices.
*Marketing Tip:* Test this strategy by carefully choosing 3-5 relevant hashtags for each post. Monitor your analytics to see if this boosts reach, engagement, and visibility, and refine your hashtag list as you go.
- **Halloween-Themed Font for Posts**
Just in time for Halloween, Instagram has released a spooky font to make your posts and Stories more festive.
*Marketing Tip:* Create fun, Halloween-themed content using the seasonal font to show off a playful side of your brand. Use it for Stories, Reels, or carousels to engage audiences with themed content and boost holiday engagement.
Instagram’s recent features and changes offer a wealth of new ways to build visibility, engage followers, and keep your brand fresh. By staying up-to-date with these tools, your business can maximize its reach on Instagram and foster a deeper connection with your audience.
If you found these tips helpful, remember to check back regularly—Instagram is constantly evolving, and staying on top of new features could be just what you need to take your Instagram strategy to the next level!
For more tips and tricks as then happen join the free FB Community The Instagram Gang.