Beyond the feed: key instagram features for brands
With over a billion monthly active users worldwide, Instagram is one of the largest social media platforms around. What started in 2010 as a way to share snapshots between friends (often accompanied with an iconic filter), Instagram’s features have evolved beyond simple photo sharing with the introduction of Stories, Reels, IGTV and Shopping. Instagram is now a key medium for brands to communicate their brand identity, showcase their product or service, and build customer loyalty. However, as Instagram continues to introduce new features and functionalities, it can be quite challenging to try to keep up with every update.
For brands looking to make the most out of their Instagram presence, we’ve narrowed down the top three key features to focus on in 2022.
Instagram Live
What Is It?
Instagram Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast a video on their account in real-time. While an Instagram Live is happening, the profile photo of the account has a ring around it to notify followers about the live video. During an Instagram Live, followers can ask questions, comment and react.
Why Is It Important?
There are so many opportunities for brands to create unique content with Instagram Live and build brand affinity by interacting directly with the audience. Some ways brands have been leveraging Instagram Live are live shopping events, Q&A sessions, new product announcements and behind the scenes updates. Furthermore, brands can save the live video to replay in Instagram Stories for users who may have missed the initial event.
Stickers & Polls
What Is It?
Instagram Stories are one of the most popular functions on Instagram, and they are essential for brands in generating reach, profile visits, and new followers. One of the best ways to elevate your Stories is to leverage Stickers. Available as Polls, Questions, Locations, and Links among other options, Stickers are one of the most interactive features on Instagram.
Why Is It Important?
With so much content available, it’s vital to grab your audience’s attention and inspire interest in your brand. Stickers are an effective way to keep audiences engaged as they prompt users to take an action in the moment. It allows brands to get quick results, start conversations and increase engagements. Additionally, brands can leverage poll results to gain a better understanding of their audience and what content is resonating best.
Stories Highlights
What Is It?
While stories disappear in 24 hours, highlights do not! Instagram Stories Highlights allows brands to keep their story updates permanently on their profile for anyone visiting the page. They’re saved at the top of the profile and can be organized into different categories, such as FAQs, New Products, and Key Moments.
Why Is It Important?
With Stories Highlights, brands can leverage the content they’ve already created for longer than the 24-hour story limit. Additionally, the ability to categorize content into different highlights allows brands to curate their story and feature timely content front and center. Making this content easily accessible will help build stronger connections with users.
With its various functionalities, Instagram is a great platform to help brands grow online. There is an ever-expanding list of features that brands can leverage to achieve their goals. However, it’s important to remember that not every new feature will make sense for every brand, so it is best to prioritize those that align with your marketing goals. Whether you’re a new business looking to generate brand awareness, or an existing company looking to generate sales, there are plenty of functions to take advantage of on Instagram.
