Instagram never ceases to amaze us.
While the entire world struggles to stay sturdy in these challenging economic times, it's great to watch how Instagram is swiftly creating new features and functions to address major business concerns and help consumers support their preferred companies. Keeping up with what's fresh on Instagram is becoming increasingly difficult.
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Notify Sticker in Instagram Stories
Instagram now allows users to include a Notify sticker in their Stories. This feature enables loyal followers to sign up for direct notifications whenever new content is posted. By tapping the Notify sticker, fans can select their preferred notification options—Posts, Reels, Live, or Stories—ensuring they receive timely updates.
- Commenting on Individual Carousel Images
In a forthcoming update, Instagram will introduce the ability for users to comment on specific photos or videos within a carousel post. This functionality will be especially useful as Instagram expands carousel limits to accommodate up to 15 images or videos.
To utilize this feature, users can simply @mention the corresponding photo in their reply, for instance, by tagging @2 to reference the second image.
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Simplified Hashtag Experience
Instagram is enhancing its hashtag search capabilities. Users can now tap on a hashtag to view related search results and opt to 'Follow hashtag' for notifications about posts featuring the same hashtag. This update facilitates discovering conversations about specific topics or products, enabling users to engage with like-minded individuals and stay informed about relevant events or trends.
- Ads with Promo Codes
Instagram has introduced "Ads with Promo Codes" to aid brands in their marketing endeavors. Promo codes featured in post captions are automatically applied at checkout, creating a direct sales channel through Instagram promotions and providing businesses with valuable sales tracking capabilities.
- Enhanced Direct Messaging
Instagram has revamped its direct messaging (DM) functionality with message editing and pinned chats. Users can now edit messages within 15 minutes of sending them, and pinning chats allows for easy access to important conversations. Additionally, users can save favorite stickers and customize read receipts to suit their preferences.
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Enhanced Live-Stream Engagement
Instagram is piloting new features to enhance live-stream engagement, including interactive games like "This or That" and "Trivia." These updates aim to boost creator participation, attract more users, and foster meaningful interactions on the platform.
- Meta's Approach to Political Discourse
Meta's commitment to reducing political discourse on Instagram and Threads involves giving users control over the content they see. Users can adjust their preferences to limit exposure to political content, affecting recommendations in Explore, Reels, and Suggested sections.
- AI Content Labeling Across Platforms
Meta is introducing AI content labeling across Facebook, Threads, and Instagram to enhance transparency. This initiative aims to differentiate AI-generated content from human-generated content, empowering brands to build trust with their audience and engage in meaningful discussions about AI's role in content creation.
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Disabling Instagram DM Read Receipts
Instagram has introduced a new feature allowing users to turn off read receipts for direct messages. This option, found in the “Privacy & Safety” settings of individual DMs, lets users hide “Read” and “Seen” indicators from the sender. It helps manage reply expectations and reduces stress from immediate response demands, especially benefiting those looking to avoid social pressure or manage brand communications effectively.
- Notes Prompts on Instagram
Instagram is developing Notes prompts, a feature that enables users to seek opinions from followers more comfortably. Users can prompt their followers through the Notes feature, facilitating easier expression.
Here’s how the feature works:
- Instagram Nudges: Encouraging Breaks for Well-being
In a bid to promote healthy habits, Instagram introduces Nudges, a feature aimed at encouraging users, particularly teenagers, to take breaks from the app. When activated, Nudges display a blank screen for 10 minutes, prompting users to step away from the screen, engage in other activities, or rest their eyes. This feature targets late-night usage, helping users prioritize rest and well-being.
- Super HDR Support for Samsung Galaxy S24
Instagram has launched Super HDR support for Samsung Galaxy S24 users. This feature enhances photo quality within the app, improving details, highlights, shadows, and colors automatically. Super HDR brings out finer details, making images look dynamic and vibrant.
Here's a visual comparison of SDR and HDR photos in the Instagram feed:
- Removal of Instagram Group Profiles
Instagram is discontinuing group profiles effective January 12, 2024. Group profiles allowed users to create collective profiles on Instagram.
- Expiring Instagram Notes
Instagram Notes, gaining popularity, is being updated with new features. Users can now attach notes to other users' profiles, which expire within 3 days. Notes can only be left by followers you follow back, offering control and engagement options among friends.
- Restricting Instagram Profile Photo Expansion
Users can now prevent visitors from expanding their main profile photo on Instagram. This privacy feature, located in the ‘Account privacy’ section of ‘Settings and privacy,’ addresses concerns about privacy and impersonation.
To enable, go to 'Settings and privacy' > 'Account privacy' > Turn off 'Allow profile picture expansion.'
These Instagram updates reflect the platform's commitment to user privacy, well-being, and enhanced engagement experiences. Instagram's continuous evolution reflects its commitment to enhancing user experiences and supporting businesses on its platform.
Inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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