Let’s face it. Whether it is about purchasing new products or taking inspiration from trending designs, we turn to different social media platforms. We belong to a generation whose morning starts and the day ends with reading notifications, updating stories, and sharing content on digital podiums. Needless to say, we rely on online recommendations instead of asking for suggestions from the person sitting next to our room. And, undoubtedly, the most influential of all social media forums is none other than Instagram.
The inception of Instagram gave “connection” a whole new meaning. But over time, the social media platform expanded beyond the confines of “sharing” and “getting connected with the loved ones.”
For businesses, the ever-pervading power of this social media platform is unbeatable. And, we can’t dare to deny it since it is stuffed with several promising features. The app never stops to surprise the brands and creators with the updates that it brings forward every now and then. Without a shadow of a doubt, its features have leveraged the ways the businesses are now operating in unprecedented times.
Today, we have touched on the latest updates that Instagram released in the year 2021. Let’s look and find out how they help businesses make the most out of their marketing habits.
Here is a breakdown of the updates that got released in the last four months.
Instagram recently rolled out the Map Search feature enabling users to locate different brands and businesses within the app. Users can now follow directions for nearby places like entertainment venues, cafeterias, bars, restaurants, and whatnot — that too with a single click on the Map Icon!
Moreover, the user may find out details of the business he has clicked on. He will be presented with information like prices of the services and products, location, and public posts linked with the digital marketing agency’s whereabouts.
The replacement of the swipe-up option with the stickers brought the opportunity to redirect the visitors to the company’s website.
Previously, swipe-up options were used to redirect visitors from the Instagram profile to the company’s website. Now, stickers took the same reign. Additionally, brands can now use varying sticker sizes and styles and position them anywhere they want on their stories.
Link stickers have also allowed users to send their reactions to the stories, which was not previously possible with the swipe-up link.
The world of social media trends knows no bounds, and it is quite evident from this update.
Ever since the pandemic hit the globe, most of the business operations saw a halt. But, as necessity is the mother of invention, the digital disruption gave e-commerce and small businesses a new way to bolster their existence.
Instagram tested a feature that allows brands to display advertisements in the shopping tab. It goes unsaid that this feature showed up as a hope to accelerate the receded business. The advertisements can be shown in either form, whether as a single image or a carousel — and, without a shadow of a doubt, the ads will be shoppable.
Once the user clicks on the ads, he will be redirected to the product page. After redirection, he will be exposed to more details about the clicked product.
This feature guaranteed more accessibility to the application. Instagram offered a new feature that deals with the translation of the text in Instagram stories.
Needless to say, whenever you watch a story with an overlayed text in a language different from what has been manually or by default set in your application, Instagram will pop you with an option of “See Translation.” After clicking on the option, a translation panel will open.
This new feature supports those brands that operate in global markets. With this feature, users across the globe can translate and comprehend the written text in the stories of their preferred brands.
You can find similar translation options in the news feed, comments, and user profiles as well.
This is for sure overwhelming news for all the Instagram business profiles. This feature entails expanding the data tracking period from 30 to 60 days. That too, while discarding the need for third-party apps to extend the tracking time.
The end of the month witnessed a new feature from Instagram that permits the Black-owned businesses to get more easily discovered. With this feature, all the businesses in the US now can use the Black-owned label on their profiles that will help them stand out from the rest.
In the month of May 2021, the platform rolled out an update that helped the brands and creators assess their performance. Yes, we are talking about “product insights”.
It is now easier than ever to track the effectiveness of the content “Reels” just by glancing at the Saves, Likes, Comments, Plays, and Accounts reached. The same goes for “Lives,” where you will be able to monitor the Shares, Comments, Accounts Reaches, and Peak Concurrent.
These insights are part of the Account Insights, from where you can learn how Reels and Lives contribute to the overall performance of your account.
Long story short, the content’s performance is now in your control. You can now keep up with a successful content promotion with the power of analytics.
Instagram always rolls out features and tools that open a world of opportunities for the brands to unlock growth. Almost every update aims to assist businesses and creators in annihilating the distance with their consumers. However, it becomes overwhelming sometimes to stay current with the latest releases. Companies already have a lot on their to-do lists, and remaining abreast with what’s currently revolving becomes a challenging feat for them. But, to cash in on the fruitful updates, it is vital to collaborate with those who have an eagle eye on the social media trends.
The evolution in Instagram works as sheer support to execute organic social strategies effectively. Needless to say, if you want to have your product cut above the rest, start embracing the updates mentioned earlier if you have missed out on them lately.
Fill out our contact form and
we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.