Over the last couple of years, Instagram has modified its platform and is considered a vital player for many small businesses. With as many as 2 billion users worldwide, businesses need to utilize Instagram to maintain an online presence. Let’s talk about these most recent updates and how you can use them to enhance your online presence.
One of the most notable changes to the platform is the ability to add music to your timeline. Users will now have the option of adding 90 seconds of music to their in-feed posts. Before this, music was only supported through Stories and Reels. Instagram announced the update by posting on their @creators feed, saying, “Music is a huge part of expression on Instagram, and we’re excited to provide the ability to add music to Feed photo posts like you can with Reels and Stories.” If you’re wondering how to take advantage of this cool, new feature - don’t worry, we got you. Just follow these simple steps: Tap the Plus Sign to create a post, then before you hit the share button, there is an option where you can add music. Then just search for the song you want to add and boom, you’re suddenly an Instagram pro!
Instagram has also added a feature allowing users to schedule their posts directly on the app. Creators no longer have to use third-party apps that schedule Instagram posts, making it more convenient. This feature can be found underneath the advanced setting when you make a post.
Another noteworthy change that has been made is the ability to filter out ads and suggested posts from your timeline and only view posts from the people you are following. This can be a refreshing change of pace for users who feel like their timeline is so often bombarded with ads or product listings, that it leaves little room for personal connection. To take advantage of this feature, tap the Instagram logo at the top left of your home page, then select Following. It’s quite simple! Because of this additional feature, it’s important for a business to grow its following organically. Additionally, it is vital to have good-quality ads to ensure your presence is impactful. That’s why at Selph Marketing, we’re here to help you!
Although Instagram has been adding useful features, they are also taking some away. From now on, users will not be able to post horizontal videos, and all new video posts will be added to the Reels page. This can get tricky for those who want to upload a horizontal video, as it would have to fit the dimensions of the Instagram square or reel.
With the ever so changing world of social media, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes. Small businesses must stay up to date to take advantage of the platform so they can grow their audience, but this can be easier said than done especially when you are running your own business. That’s where we come in! Social media management is one of our specialties here at Selph Marketing, and we make it our business to stay up to date on these updates so that you don’t have to! When you partner with us, we can help your business grow by ensuring that you are reaching the right audience and social media management is just one of the ways that we can do that.
Contact us today to get started!