Instagram has been a powerhouse in the social media landscape, constantly evolving to meet the needs and preferences of its users. Now that we are well into the digital era, marketers must understand how Instagram has changed over the years and learn how to maximize the platform’s latest features for successful digital marketing campaigns. This blog post will explore five exciting updates and strategies to make the most of Instagram’s current landscape.

5 Strategies To Master Instagram’s Latest Features

Instagram continually introduces innovative features to elevate the user experience and empower marketers to reach their target audience effectively. Let’s explore some exciting new features that make Instagram a powerful platform for users and marketers.

1. Harness the Power of Reels

Instagram Reels has become a game-changer for short-form video content in recent years. With Reels, you can create 15 to 60-second videos with various creative options like music, filters, and effects. This feature presents an opportunity to captivate your audience through entertaining and visually appealing content. Use Reels to showcase new products, highlight customer testimonials, or participate in popular challenges to increase your brand’s visibility and engagement.

2. Try Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing remains a robust strategy on Instagram, allowing brands to tap into the reach and influence of popular creators. However, the focus has started to shift towards micro and nano influencers. These influencers have smaller but highly engaged and niche audiences, providing a more targeted approach for your marketing campaigns. Identify influencers who align with your brand values and have a dedicated following that matches your target audience. Collaborate with them to create authentic, compelling content that resonates with their followers. 

3. Build Communities with Instagram Groups

Instagram has introduced Groups to foster deeper connections, allowing users to create and join communities centered around shared interests. As a marketer, you can establish your own branded group or participate in relevant groups related to your industry. Engage with group members, provide valuable insights, and build relationships to develop yourself as a trusted authority and gain exposure to a highly targeted audience.

4. Capitalize On Shoppable Posts

Instagram’s focus on e-commerce has significantly expanded with the introduction of Shoppable posts and Instagram Shopping AR. Shoppable posts enable businesses to tag products directly within their posts, simplifying the discovery and purchase process for users. Setting up your Instagram account as a business account and integrating your product catalog allows you to create visually compelling images or videos highlighting your products and streamlining the buying process with product tags. Additionally, Instagram Shopping AR takes online shopping to the next level, allowing users to virtually try on and visualize products before purchasing. This feature lets customers explore how products like sunglasses or furniture would look or fit in their lives, ultimately boosting conversion rates, reducing returns, and providing a personalized shopping experience.

5. Embrace Vertical Video with Instagram TV (IGTV)

Vertical video content has gained significant popularity, and Instagram has fully embraced this trend with IGTV. Unlike the previous 60-second time limit for videos, IGTV allows users to share long-form videos up to 60 minutes in length. As a marketer, take advantage of IGTV by creating engaging and informative videos that resonate with your audience. Consider sharing behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, product demonstrations, or interviews to showcase your brand’s personality and expertise.

A Comprehensive List of Instagram’s Capabilities

• Feed Posts. The core feature of Instagram is allowing users to share photos and videos, along with captions and hashtags, to engage with their followers.
• Stories. Temporary visual content disappears after 24 hours, providing a more casual and spontaneous way to share updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and interactive features like polls and question stickers.
• IGTV. Instagram’s long-form video platform, where users can upload and watch vertical videos of up to 60 minutes in length, catering to a more immersive video experience.
• Reels. Short-form videos with creative editing tools, effects, and audio, offering an opportunity to create engaging and entertaining content within a 15 to 60-second timeframe.
• Explore. A section within Instagram allows users to discover new content, accounts, and trends based on their interests and engagement history.
• Live Streaming. Real-time video broadcasting enables users to connect with their audience at the moment, interact through comments, and receive immediate feedback.
• Shopping Tags. The ability to tag products in posts and stories, providing a seamless shopping experience by linking directly to the product page within the app.
• AR Filters and Effects. Augmented reality features enhance photos and videos with filters, effects, and interactive elements, allowing users to express their creativity and engage with branded experiences.
• Direct Messaging. A private messaging feature that enables users to have one-on-one or group conversations, fostering more personal interactions and facilitating customer support or collaboration opportunities.
• Insights and Analytics. Instagram provides built-in analytics for business accounts, offering valuable data and metrics about audience demographics, post-performance, and engagement to inform marketing strategies and measure campaign success.

These are just a few notable features that make Instagram a powerful platform for users and marketers. By strategically taking advantage of these features, businesses can connect with their target audience, drive engagement, and achieve marketing objectives.

Discover AdCellerant’s Advertising Solutions for Instagram and Beyond

Crafting a robust digital marketing strategy for platforms like Instagram can be manageable. At AdCellerant, we offer comprehensive advertising solutions delivered by our award-winning team to equip you with the tools you need for impactful and results-oriented campaigns.

You can take the first step towards success by requesting a demo today and discover how AdCellerant can elevate your marketing efforts across various platforms, including Instagram.

*This article was updated on July 7, 2023.