• There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Let's chat. We're fun people.

October 6, 2016

Instagram Updates of 2016: Why do they matter?

By Brian Williams
Instagram-Updates-of-2016-Why-do-they-matter-

Instagram is ever changing, just like the rest of the social media world, but have you been keeping up with all the Instagram updates made this year?

Instagram Officially Launches "Save as Draft" Feature

Instagram has officially made their "save as draft" feature available to all users.

Why does this matter?

Instagram users can now edit and draft Instagram posts directly in the app. Users can filter the photo, tag other users, add copy, and add the location, then save it to be posted later. Although you can't schedule posts through this new feature, this may encourage Instagram users to prepare their posts ahead of time and post them natively, opposed to using third-party scheduling tools.

Instagram Tweaks Call-To-Actions on Ads

Instagram has added new updates to their ad format. The updates include a larger call-to-action button, highlighting the call-to-action when a user takes interest in the ad, call-to-action prompts when visiting a brand's profile, and the pull-through of additional details on the call-to-action. Instagram users will also be taken to the brand's URL if they un-mute a video ad.

Why does this matter?

Facebook has seen a lot of success with their ad platform, and they are continuing to spread those capabilities to Instagram. In their post, Instagram noted that they have seen a 45% increase of engagement since the update of their call-to-action button. As they continue to learn and tweak their ad platform, Instagram ads have the potential to be just as robust as Facebook ads.

New Instagram Look - Rebrand

Instagram updates their look with a new color scheme for their main app, Layout, Hyperlapse, and Boomerang.

Why does this matter?

People may not think that Instagram’s rebranding serves a real purpose but after five years a new color does breathe a new sense of life into the brand. After all, I’m still clicking on the app just as much as I did back then.

Introducing Instagram Stories

Instagram launches its take on Snapchat stories, which lets you share photos and videos that will disappear within 24 hours. This new feature is in direct competition with Snapchat, but we will see what “story” stands the test of time.

Why does this matter?

Competing with Snapchat “stories” allows Instagram users to share all of their content in one place. Will “stories” affect either apps audience? Only time will tell.

Account Switching: Now Available on Instagram

Managing multiple accounts? Instagram has now added the feature that allows users to flip back and forth between up to 5 Instagram accounts! Finally! Everyone in the marketing world is so excited about this feature because it makes managing multiple accounts seamless.

Why does this matter?

This is great for marketing agencies and users who manage multiple accounts! This a time saver because you no longer have to log in and out of your different accounts. Who doesn’t need another way to save time? This feature is beyond  awesome.

See the moments you care about first

Instagram introduces its own algorithm to help users see what accounts they engage with the most, first! This was introduced to help the end user experience.

Why does this matter?

Since Instagram is owned by Facebook it only makes sense that an algorithm is added to the app. Most users were not happy when they found out about the change but just like any new feature most of us just became accustomed to the change.

Instagram Business Profiles

Instagram finally launches their own analytics for business pages! Woohoo! You can now sync up your Facebook business page with your Instagram account to active that CTA button and analytics. The analytics portion shows your post impressions and best times to post. There is finally a way to measure what your users are seeing.

Why does this matter?

You can finally measure the ROI of your Instagram posts! This feature has really been a long time coming for the photo app, as Facebook and Twitter already have analytics built in. There are a lot of brand and business pages that still have not updated their profiles, but I’m sure over time that will change.

Pinch and Zoom on photos

Have you ever wanted to zoom in on Instagram photos? Well, now you can! Instagram rolled out that feature to IOS users first, so it still pays to have an iPhone.

Why does this matter?

Users will now get the full experience of each photo you post. You no longer have to wish that you could zoom in on Instagram photos, just like other social networks. Plus, it only makes sense that you should be able to zoom in and out of photos just like you can in real life.

Now that you’ve been caught up on the latest Instagram happenings, be sure to let us know what your favorite update to the platform is!

New call-to-action

Tags: Social Media Marketing

Comments

Welcome to our blog! We'd love for you to follow us.

As a special thank you for subscribing to our blog we would like you to have our guide to creating engaging content for social media.

Relationship-cover-mock-landing page-1