What Small Business Owners Need to Know About The Most Recent Instagram Updates

In the fast-paced world of social media, staying abreast of platform updates is crucial for marketers and business owners. Instagram, a key player in the digital marketing landscape, regularly introduces changes that impact how brands engage with their audience. In this article, we’ll delve into recent Instagram updates and their implications for marketing strategies.

Instagram Video Stickers

Backdrop Sticker

One of the latest additions to Instagram’s features is the Backdrop sticker, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to replace photo backgrounds in Stories. Users can let Instagram auto-select the foreground or choose it themselves, then pick a background prompt or create their own. The prompt becomes a sticker for others to use.

Cutout Sticker 

Instagram expanded its Cutout sticker to video clips, allowing users to create animated stickers from shared videos. This feature enables isolating specific elements from videos, offering creative possibilities for enhancing Stories and Reels. However, certain restrictions apply, such as the original creator’s permission and post visibility settings.

Instagram DM Features

‘People You Follow’ Filter

A new DM filter allows creators to prioritize messages from profiles they follow, aiming to streamline communication and foster a safer online environment.

Read Receipts Control

Users now have the option to disable read receipts in DMs, reducing pressure and awkwardness associated with online communication.

Instagram Creator/Influencer Campaign Management Tools

Creator Marketplace Expansion

Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, facilitating brand-creator collaborations, expands to new markets, with enhanced recommendations to match brands with suitable creators.

‘Get Orders’ Sticker

Instagram tests a new sticker enabling product orders directly from Stories, enhancing eCommerce capabilities and streamlining the buying process.

Profile Grid View

Select users can preview their Instagram feed posts’ appearance before publishing, aiming to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

Instagram Future Features

Interactive Live-Stream Games

Instagram experiments with live-streaming features, offering games to engage audiences during broadcasts.

Our Perspective

These updates reflect Instagram’s efforts to enhance user experience and provide marketers with new tools to engage audiences effectively. Leveraging these features can help businesses stay competitive in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

In conclusion, staying informed about Instagram updates is crucial for marketers and business owners looking to optimize their digital strategies. By embracing these changes and adapting their approach accordingly, brands can continue to thrive in the dynamic world of social media marketing.